The St. Louis Rams took in a little pre-Christmas practice yesterday, on Festivus, and there was good news and bad news on the injury report.
First, the good news. DE Chris Long returned to practice after a bruised thigh kept him out the day before. He is expected to play this week. Still, you have to wonder just how this injury will impact his game against the 49ers.
Now, the bad news. TE Michael Hoomanawanui returned to practice in a limited role yesterday, getting closer to returning from the high ankle sprain that's kept him out for weeks now. But he had a "setback" and did not practice yesterday. Though they're still considering him day-to-day, it seems highly unlikely that he'll play this week. He probably shouldn't anyway, since pressing his luck might do more damage than benefit over the long run. Hopefully, he'll be a sure bet to play against Seattle. Too bad. The Rams need all the able bodied pass catchers they can get, and Illinois Mike has some of the team's better hands.