Bartell plans to play this week, so does KC's Matt Cassel

Ron Bartell was back on the practice field today for the St. Louis Rams. The team's top cornerback, he missed last week's game against New Orleans recovering from a shoulder/arm stinger that left him without enough strength in his arm to play. 

Bartell told the media that he plans to play this week. 

CB Justin King and backup RB Kenneth Darby were also back in action today. It's still unclear whether or not all three players will be back in action against the Chiefs this week. What Bartell means to the Rams is obvious, as their top overall corner. Darby is an important role player, and the Rams missed his pass blocking on third downs last week. King's speed adds to the nickel package. 

The Rams' opponents this week have a big injury question mark in starting QB Matt Cassel, who had an appendectomy just over a week ago. He did some stretching, throwing and jogging at practice for the Chiefs today, but his status for this week is still up in the air.