ST. LOUIS — Cornerback Al Harris and tight end Mike Hoomanwanui have been lost for the season because of knee injuries suffered in the St. Louis Rams’ 13-12 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Both players have torn ACLs.

Harris, who will turn 37 on Dec. 7, suffered a major injury to his left knee with the Green Bay Packers two years ago. This time, it’s his right knee.

“Al and I visited this morning — I am crushed by that one,” Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said. “He has been a terrific, terrific addition in a lot of ways. You’re talking about a guy who came off an injury a year ago, and he battled all week to get his body healthy and right.

“What he has meant in the defensive back room and he brings a whole different level of energy on the practice field. Al will be around here. He’s going to have a surgery, he won’t have it right away.”

Harris had played well this season since becoming a starter following Bradley Flecther’s season-ending injury in Week 4.

“I go back to the Arizona game a week ago, and I thought he had played well against Larry Fitzgerald, and that’s not easy,” Spagnuolo said. “He’s experienced, he’s crafty.”

Harris is the ninth cornerback to end up on injured reserve for the Rams this season. They have only four cornerbacks — Justin King, Josh Gordy, Marquis Johnson and Rod Hood — on their active roster.

“ACLs, cracked fibulas, dislocated elbows — I don’t know for sure how you protect against that,” Spagnuolo said. ‘It’s the game of football. I hope they even out at some point, and it starts turning the other way.”

Harris was hurt after chasing down Joshua Cribbs on a 20-yard reception early in the game.

“He was tackling the receiver or ball carrier, and he just kind of torqued in a certain way and caught his knee in a certain position and it kind of gave out on him,” Spagnuolo said. “Nobody fell on him. It wasn’t like Mike’s. You could see his cleat caught in the turf.”

Hoomanwanui was hurt attempting to hurdle Browns defender Joe Haden at the end of a 15-yard pass reception.

Left tackle Rodger Saffold and King both suffered head injuries. Saffold’s injury was classified as a concussion.

Spagnuolo said both Saffold and King were feeling better Monday, he’s holding out hope that they’ll both be available this coming Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.

Spagnuolo wasn’t as optimistic about right tackle Jason Smith, who has missed three games with a concussion.

“They exerted him a little today, and the symptoms kind of came back,” Spagnuolo said. “That’s where you have to be careful. He’s fighting through it.”

Quarterback Sam Bradford has a sore thigh. He limped off the field in the third quarter after taking a helmet to his thigh.

Bradford missed only one play.

Spagnuolo said Bradford, who has been bothered by a high ankle sprain, didn’t have his foot in a boot Monday, for precautionary reasons, like the previous Monday.

“He’s not in a boot, so he’s kind of gotten past that,” Spagnuolo said. “He’ll have a brace on it when he is playing.”

Bradford is expected to practice Wednesday.

The Rams had 14 players on their injury report last week, and that number could climb higher this week.

Safety Darian Stewart has a sore neck, wide receiver Brandon Gibson has a sore groin muscle and running back Cadillac Williams has a strained calf muscle.

Spagnuolo said linebackers Josh Hull (hamstring) and Bryan Keels (ankle), who both sat out against the Browns, will be able to practice on a limited basis Wednesday.

Phil Dawson missed a 22-yard field goal with 2:13 left after the snap from center hit a teammate’s foot and bounced back to the holder, allowing the Rams to escape with a 13-12 win despite a rash of key injuries.

As Dawson lined up for his chip shot, some the St. Louis players were planning for a final drive while others braced for the worst. But when Dawson’s kick barely got off the ground and sailed wide, the Rams (2-7) felt luckier than they have all season.

“I thought this stuff only happened to the Rams,” running back Steven Jackson joked. “I didn’t think it happened to other teams.”

Jackson rushed for 128 yards, Sam Bradford threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Lloyd and Josh Brown kicked a pair of field goals — the last with 7:42 left — for the Rams, who lost a heartbreaker in overtime last week to Arizona. Coach Steve Spagnuolo said this win can only help his team’s mental health.

“It didn’t go our way, and to lose that way is tough,” he said of the 19-13 loss to the Cardinals. “Every one of these wins, every one we’re going to get the rest of the season, is going to be a scratch, crawl, grab, and try to survive just like we did here. Find a way to make a play at the end. Maybe a little luck, we’ll take that, too.”

When Dawson trotted onto the field, the Browns (3-6) seemed moments from victory.

In a snap, they were seconds from despair.

“You leave with a helpless feeling. It’s tough,” Browns quarterback Colt McCoy said. “We should have won — more than once. You kind of scratch your head and wonder, ‘Where is all this bad luck coming from? Why?’”

Dawson made four field goals in blustery conditions, but his final attempt fluttered left of the upright, capping a series of late gaffes by the Browns (3-6), who were booed by their fans as they left the field.

Cleveland’s Ryan Pontbriand, a Pro Bowler considered the NFL’s best long snapper, hiked the ball cleanly but it caromed off the right foot of center Alex Mack, who lines up at left guard on field-goal attempts. The ball skipped back to holder Brad Maynard, who did a great job of placing it for Dawson. However, the 13-year veteran’s timing was thrown off and Dawson missed the chip shot.

It was an especially painful loss for first-year Browns coach Pat Shurmur, who spent the previous two seasons as the Rams offensive coordinator. Following the game, Shurmur was noticeably upset, mostly because of his young team’s costly mistakes.

“I feel bad for Pat and his football team right now,” Spagnuolo said. “He’s a close friend.”

As Dawson lined up, Bradford was on the sideline devising a two-minute drive with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

“I was going through my mind the reads I’d have to make and some of the balls I’d have to throw,” said Bradford, who went 15 of 26 for 155 yards with a TD and interception. “We were talking about what we’d see from them on defense and what we were expecting to call. I was trying to get myself mentally prepared to lead our team back down and score points.”

He didn’t have to as the Rams, who opened the season 0-6, ran out the clock and got their second win in three weeks.

St. Louis had six players injured, including Bradford, who took a knee to the thigh in the third quarter and came out for one play. He missed two games earlier this season with a high ankle sprain.

But Jackson was healthy and ran like a mad man.

“He’s running possessed,” Bradford said of his teammate. “He’s running hard. He looks great.”

Jackson laughed and agreed with his QB’s comment.

“It’s kind of scary,” he said. “I look forward to Sundays. I look forward to taking over. I am a man possessed on Sundays. To be honest with you, that’s the way you should play.”

Brown’s 34-yard field goal gave the Rams a 13-12 lead with 7:42 remaining. That score was set up by a fumble by Browns return specialist Josh Cribbs, who was stripped trying to get extra yards on a punt return by Rams linebacker David Nixon.

While getting ready for the Browns, Nixon noticed Cribbs can be nonchalant with the ball.

“We saw that he likes to have the ball exposed and he doesn’t secure it very well,” Nixon said. “We ran him down and he was trying to avoid Craig Dahl. I saw the ball exposed so I went for the ball knowing we needed a big play and I got it out.”

Notes: Five Rams did not return after getting hurt. Spagnuolo said CB Al Harris and TE Michael Hoomanawanui have “significant” knee injuries. RB Cadillac Williams strained his calf running onto the field. OT Rodger Saffold suffered a head injury and S Darian Stewart hurt his neck. … Jackson has 30 career games over 100 yards, second in team history to Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson’s 38. … Rams P Donnie Jones averaged 47.2 yards with a long of 64.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read More: Cleveland Browns, St. Louis Rams

The Cleveland Browns are looking to rebound following two straight losses to San Francisco and Houston when they play host to the St. Louis Rams. Sitting with just one win on the season, the Browns are considered favorites to snap their losing streak and get back to their winning ways to gain ground in the ultra-competitive AFC North division. Cleveland is going through a tough season in regards to injuries and, really, all kinds of controversy.

For the Rams, they’re coming off a demoralizing loss to the Arizona Cardinals in which they had two safeties and generally outplayed them by a good margin throughout. St. Louis is at the bottom of the NFC West division and looking more and more like they’re not in contention. A win for them would likely keep head coach Steve Spagnuolo safe from any discussion about losing his job.

Game Date/Time: Sunday, Nov. 13; 1:00 p.m. ET

Location: Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

TV Schedule: FOX (TV Distribution Maps)

TV Announcers: Ron Pitts, Jim Mora Jr.

Radio Coverage: 101 ESPN (Rams), WMMS/WTAM-100.7

For more on the Cleveland Browns head over to Dawgs By Nature.

Two weeks ago in a 31-21 victory over New Orleans, the Rams gave up 283 yards. Only a touchdown with 6 seconds remaining made the final score seem closer than it was.

Such signs of progress are welcome for the Rams (1-7), who play at Cleveland (3-5) this weekend.

“We want to play well again Sunday,” Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said Friday. “I think it’s just players deciding to do all the things you need to do to play good defensive football. Hopefully that will continue because I firmly believe you can’t win in this league unless you play good defense.”

What’s helped the defense, too, is the Rams holding leads the last two weeks. That had not happened in the previous six games where the Rams led for about six minutes total.

Playing with a lead has allowed the defensive front line to rush more effectively. Chris Long has four sacks in the last two games while fellow defensive end Robert Quinn, the Rams’ top draft choice at No. 14 overall, has two.

Defensive coordinator Ken Flajole has noticed the rush defense performing well, too.

“It’s gotten better. We’re not ready to anoint anybody yet,” Flajole said. “It’s just maybe some things have taken hold. We’ve got to continue to work at it and it’s a work in progress. It’ll be something we’ll have to address every week.”

The Cardinals gained only 70 yards rushing. The Saints were held to just 56 yards rushing.

“We’ve improved. We’ve done some things well,” Long said. “It’s been a major focus. We’ve love to just continue that and make more plays. We’re missing some opportunities that could really help our team out — where we could try and score on defense or make a big play in the backfield. We need to stop teams in key situations and help our offense out.”

The defense did fall short in that area. Down 13-6, the Cardinals put together a nine-play drive that did not have any third downs. Arizona went 84 yards and tied the game with 4:54 left after a 13-yard TD pass to Larry Fitzgerald.

“One drive too many,” Long said. “Next time, we just need to recognize when we’re in that situation and try to really hunker down and get it done.”

Injuries have taken their toll with cornerbacks Ron Bartell, Tim Atchison, Bradley Fletcher and Brian Jackson all being placed on the injured reserve list.

Players have been coming and going all season but now it’s settled down.

“I know everybody’s name,” Flajole quipped. “Sometimes you’re introducing yourself out on the field. They’ve come along. Again everyday, every rep that they take, the longer they’re in our system the more they, I think, understand the nuances, the details of what we’re trying to do and that can only help us.”

The defense does not yet have an identity, Long said.

“We just need to do our jobs,” Long said. “That’s a good identity to have is just being dependable. We need to be dependable. We’ve been dependable the last two weeks and we’ll try to continue that.”

Notes: About 150 members of all the branches of service including some from Scott Air Force Base and Fort Leonard Wood along with some veterans attended practice. The Rams signed autographs afterward. Marine Sgt. Daniel Rogers presented Spagnuolo with a battalion coin. … TE Lance Kendricks (foot) and WR Danario Alexander (hamstring) will not play Sunday. … QB Sam Bradford (ankle) was limited again Friday in practice. “We want to get him to Sunday as healthy as possible,” Spagnuolo said.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

BEREA, Ohio — When Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford meet for the first time in their NFL careers Sunday, it will be under much different circumstances than in their Red River Rivalry in college.

They held the fastest guns in the West when they staged some classic shootouts. McCoy threw for 324 yards in a 28-21 Texas loss to Oklahoma in 2007. The next year, Bradford posted 357 yards and five touchdowns — yet lost, 45-35.

Bradford was hurt early in their final head-to-head meeting. McCoy prevailed in that one and also beat Texas’ greatest rival as a freshman before Bradford got on the field.

Neither left college with a national championship ring. Their consolation prizes weren’t bad. McCoy rang up the most all-time college wins, and Bradford took home a Heisman Trophy.

Passing along the same trails, they became friends. Now they’re sharing amazingly similar experiences as professionals with the Browns and St. Louis Rams.

Both are struggling in their second seasons, dealing with protection breakdowns, receiver issues and trying to operate offensive systems new to each without the benefit of typical off-season minicamps.

“We’re kind of in unique situations,” McCoy said.

“We kind of flip-flopped offenses without an off-season.”

Yes, McCoy is running the West Coast offense that Bradford learned as a rookie, and Bradford is running the New England offense that McCoy learned as a rookie.

“I think we’ve probably talked more since we’ve been out of college just because we’ve been through some of the same things, shared some experiences in the league,” Bradford said on a conference call.

One of the most recent times they talked was when Bradford called McCoy to get tips on rehabbing from a high ankle sprain. Yes, Bradford suffered the dreaded injury this year. McCoy had it last year and missed three games.

Their NFL career paths have intersected in other ways.

Bradford was the Rams’ and the NFL’s first overall draft pick in 2010. His offensive coordinator at the time was Pat Shurmur, who now is McCoy’s head coach. When Shurmur scouted quarterbacks before that draft, he spent as much time on McCoy.

“I watched every one of their throws from college, junior and senior year,” Shurmur said. “They all kind of ran together. Throw after throw after throw.”

The Browns wound up selecting McCoy in the third round 84 spots after Bradford. But not before President Mike Holmgren made one last pitch to the Rams to try to move up from No. 5 to select Bradford.

It turned out that Bradford stepped foot on the Cleveland Browns Stadium field before McCoy. In the second preseason game of 2010 — first at home for the Browns — an injury to Rams starter A.J. Feeley on the first series put Bradford in the game prematurely. McCoy waited until a cameo appearance in the fourth quarter to make an inauspicious home debut.

After Bradford’s next practice game, the Rams put him in there for good. He took every snap at quarterback, set numerous NFL rookie records, led his team to a surprising 7-9 record and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year.

McCoy had his moments in the middle of his first season, too, upsetting New Orleans and New England and nearly pulling out a win over the Jets.

But now each is learning that automatic success is not sustained in the NFL. McCoy’s Browns are 3-5 and Bradford’s Rams are 1-7. This week, McCoy ranks 28th among NFL quarterbacks. Bradford is 31st.

“I always had a great deal of respect for Colt as a winner,” Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said. “They’ll do that there, too. This is an up-and-down season, a tough haul.

“I think their offense is fighting the same hurdles as us in a lot of ways. It’s been a new system in a short amount of time, and yet I see a lot of flashes of Colt executing that offense the way Pat wants it to be. I think they’re on track, and I see a lot of positives.”

Bradford is learning the longer pass routes contained in the playbook of new coordinator Josh McDaniels, of Canton and formerly of New England, subjects him to more hits. He was sacked 34 times in 16 games last year. He has been sacked 25 times in six games this season.

“He helped the St. Louis Rams win seven games [last season], and I think he’s a fine quarterback,” Shurmur said. “I’m assuming that he’s making that same progress this year.

“I know he’s had the injury that’s kept him out a couple weeks. Based on what I saw last week [against Arizona], Sam went in there and executed pretty well. You could tell he wasn’t totally 100 percent physically. But he’s a tough guy, and I think he’s developed well. He’ll continue to develop within their system.”

The bottom line to the quarterbacks’ struggles is learning a new system with new teammates forced to play because of injuries to regulars.

“I think quarterbacks at this level are here because they know how to play the game,” Shurmur said. “You learn a system, and then in order to execute efficiently, you’ve got to get used to the pieces around you. When you have a chance to be in a system for a long time, it helps. As you’re learning it, then everybody has to kind of grow together. And I think sometimes it affects the quarterback.”

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: tgrossi@plaind.com, 216-999-4670

On Twitter: @Tony Grossi

Sam Bradford has missed the St. Louis Rams’ last two games with a high ankle sprain. This week marked the first time since the injury that Bradford has participated in practice, as he took about half of the snaps this week.

Earlier today on the FOX pregame show, Jay Glazer reported that Bradford said he would play. Of course, the ultimate decision is up to the team doctors and head coach Steve Spagnuolo, but according to Glazer, it looks like Bradford thinks he can give it a go against the Arizona Cardinals.

Then the Rams made it official via Twitter, announcing Bradford will start today.

Lloyd’s first game with the Rams was also the first game Bradford missed.

With the Rams picking up their first win of the season last weekend against the Saints, the Rams now have a chance to begin a winning streak. The Rams travel to Arizona in Week 9, travel to Cleveland in Week 10, host Seattle in Week 11 and host Arizona in Week 12.

With a healthy Bradford, it would be very reasonable to expect the Rams to win all four of these games. If they would pull off that kind of winning streak, the Rams would be 5-6, and with two games remaining against the NFC West-leading San Francisco 49ers, the Rams would at least control their own fate in the NFC West.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — With their starting quarterbacks hurting, the St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals meet with last place in arguably the worst division in pro football at stake.

The Rams and Cardinals match 1-6 records Sunday and, if a team can claim momentum in such a situation, it would be St. Louis. The Rams upset New Orleans 31-21 last weekend with backup A.J. Feeley replacing quarterback Sam Bradford.

“It definitely gives you something to build off of. It’s starting to turn the mood around,” running back Steven Jackson said. “Of course, whenever you go 0-6 or you go winless for a little bit, the mood changes and things become not as fun. The life has returned back into the locker room. Guys are feeling good about what we did last week, but we are completely focused that it is a week-to-week season. It’s good to get that one last week. Now we have to keep it going and prove that last week wasn’t just a fluke.”

Bradford might return this week after missing two games with a high left ankle sprain.

Meanwhile, Arizona’s Kevin Kolb has a turf toe injury to his right foot and could be replaced by second-year pro John Skelton, who went 2-2 as a rookie starter late last season.

“I got the experience under my belt,” Skelton said. “I got hit by an NFL player. I threw an NFL pass. The whole experience helps you in so many ways. I think I fit in now. Maybe last year in training camp and stuff I felt out of place. But now I know I can make all the throws. I’ve seen a lot of defenses, and I’ll be prepared for what they bring.”

No matter who plays quarterback, this is not where these teams thought they would be going into the halfway point of the season.

The Rams were coming off a 7-9 record that was their best since 2006. The Cardinals, after a dismal 5-11 season, made several personnel moves, most significantly the trade to bring in Kolb. Yet St. Louis, with a rough early schedule and a slew of injuries, lost its first six. Arizona won its season opener, but with Kolb struggling more than anticipated has dropped six in a row.

“We expect to win every Sunday and if you don’t do that, you should not be playing in this league,” Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said. “We were disappointed and we kept grinding and kept grinding, guys kept working, nobody gave in, guys didn’t point fingers, and that was important.”

While the Rams stopped their free-fall, at least for now, the Cardinals are grasping for a much-needed win in their only home stop in a four-game stretch. Last Sunday’s 30-27 last-second loss at Baltimore was Arizona’s 11th consecutive road loss, a streak that dates to the 2010 season opener at St. Louis. The Cardinals had beaten the Rams eight times in a row before losing to them at home last December.

Arizona defensive tackle Darnell Dockett expressed admiration for what the Rams were able to do against the heavily favored Saints.

“I’m pretty sure everybody in the world counted them out against the Saints and they proved everybody wrong,” Dockett said.

The Cardinals find no solace in the fact that four of their losses have come by four points or fewer. Last week against the Ravens, Arizona led 24-3 in the first half only to lose on a last-second field goal.

“It hurts,” Dockett said. “But you learn a lesson from that. The game ain’t over until it’s over.

The other close losses came by one at Washington, three at Seattle and four at home to the New York Giants. By contrast, only one of St. Louis’ losses was by single digits, 17-10 at home against Washington. Before they stunned the Saints, the Rams had been outscored 58-10 in consecutive defeats at Green Bay and Dallas, part of a brutal early schedule that also included games against Philadelphia and Baltimore.

The Cardinals, meanwhile, have struggled to protect the passer. Kolb has been sacked 24 times, the most for one NFC quarterback, and went down six times against the Ravens. Coach Ken Whisenhunt said it’s a combination of pass blocking and Kolb not getting the ball out quickly enough. It doesn’t help that the team has played Pittsburgh and Baltimore, two of the league’s top defenses, the past two weeks.

While the teams have had more than their fair share of woes, both have had some success on the ground.

Jackson, the Rams’ career leader in yards rushing, worked himself back from a quadriceps injury that occurred on the first play of the season to gain 159 yards in 25 carries, including two touchdowns against New Orleans.

Arizona’s Beanie Wells, despite a nagging sore knee, had 83 yards in 22 attempts against Baltimore. The two big backs have similar bruising running styles.

“Beanie is a horse now,” Spagnuolo said. “He can do anything. He can run outside, inside, he cuts it back, he runs over people, he can shake people. He’s a premier back.”

Even though he has missed a game, Wells has 506 yards rushing in 115 attempts, an average of 4.5 per carry. Jackson has 449 yards in just 84 carries, an average of 5.3.

Jackson’s style has led to a series of injuries, but he always seems to come back with a flourish.

“I would say you get frustrated at times,” he said. “You’d like your job to be smooth sailing, but that just hasn’t been my career. I take great pride in showing up each and every game, each and every day, regardless of the situation, and playing with pride and integrity.”

At the midpoint of the season, the Rams are playing an NFC West foe for the first time and the Cardinals for the second.

With their starting quarterbacks hurting, the St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals meet with last place in arguably the worst division in pro football at stake.

The Rams and Cardinals match 1-6 records Sunday and, if a team can claim momentum in such a situation, it would be St. Louis. The Rams upset New Orleans 31-21 last weekend with backup A.J. Feeley replacing quarterback Sam Bradford.

“It definitely gives you something to build off of. It’s starting to turn the mood around,” running back Steven Jackson said. “Of course, whenever you go 0-6 or you go winless for a little bit, the mood changes and things become not as fun. The life has returned back into the locker room. Guys are feeling good about what we did last week, but we are completely focused that it is a week-to-week season. It’s good to get that one last week. Now we have to keep it going and prove that last week wasn’t just a fluke.”

Bradford might return this week after missing two games with a high left ankle sprain.

Meanwhile, Arizona’s Kevin Kolb has a turf toe injury to his right foot and could be replaced by second-year pro John Skelton, who went 2-2 as a rookie starter late last season.

“I got the experience under my belt,” Skelton said. “I got hit by an NFL player. I threw an NFL pass. The whole experience helps you in so many ways. I think I fit in now. Maybe last year in training camp and stuff I felt out of place. But now I know I can make all the throws. I’ve seen a lot of defenses, and I’ll be prepared for what they bring.”

No matter who plays quarterback, this is not where these teams thought they would be going into the halfway point of the season.

The Rams were coming off a 7-9 record that was their best since 2006. The Cardinals, after a dismal 5-11 season, made several personnel moves, most significantly the trade to bring in Kolb. Yet St. Louis, with a rough early schedule and a slew of injuries, lost its first six. Arizona won its season opener, but with Kolb struggling more than anticipated has dropped six in a row.

“We expect to win every Sunday and if you don’t do that, you should not be playing in this league,” Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said. “We were disappointed and we kept grinding and kept grinding, guys kept working, nobody gave in, guys didn’t point fingers, and that was important.”

While the Rams stopped their free-fall, at least for now, the Cardinals are grasping for a much-needed win in their only home stop in a four-game stretch. Last Sunday’s 30-27 last-second loss at Baltimore was Arizona’s 11th consecutive road loss, a streak that dates to the 2010 season opener at St. Louis. The Cardinals had beaten the Rams eight times in a row before losing to them at home last December.

Arizona defensive tackle Darnell Dockett expressed admiration for what the Rams were able to do against the heavily favored Saints.

“I’m pretty sure everybody in the world counted them out against the Saints and they proved everybody wrong,” Dockett said.

The Cardinals find no solace in the fact that four of their losses have come by four points or fewer. Last week against the Ravens, Arizona led 24-3 in the first half only to lose on a last-second field goal.

“It hurts,” Dockett said. “But you learn a lesson from that. The game ain’t over until it’s over.

The other close losses came by one at Washington, three at Seattle and four at home to the New York Giants. By contrast, only one of St. Louis’ losses was by single digits, 17-10 at home against Washington. Before they stunned the Saints, the Rams had been outscored 58-10 in consecutive defeats at Green Bay and Dallas, part of a brutal early schedule that also included games against Philadelphia and Baltimore.

The Cardinals, meanwhile, have struggled to protect the passer. Kolb has been sacked 24 times, the most for one NFC quarterback, and went down six times against the Ravens. Coach Ken Whisenhunt said it’s a combination of pass blocking and Kolb not getting the ball out quickly enough. It doesn’t help that the team has played Pittsburgh and Baltimore, two of the league’s top defenses, the past two weeks.

While the teams have had more than their fair share of woes, both have had some success on the ground.

Jackson, the Rams’ career leader in yards rushing, worked himself back from a quadriceps injury that occurred on the first play of the season to gain 159 yards in 25 carries, including two touchdowns against New Orleans. Arizona’s Beanie Wells, despite a nagging sore knee, had 83 yards in 22 attempts against Baltimore. The two big backs have similar bruising running styles.

“Beanie is a horse now,” Spagnuolo said. “He can do anything. He can run outside, inside, he cuts it back, he runs over people, he can shake people. He’s a premier back.”

Even though he has missed a game, Wells has 506 yards rushing in 115 attempts, an average of 4.5 per carry. Jackson has 449 yards in just 84 carries, an average of 5.3.

Jackson’s style has led to a series of injuries, but he always seems to come back with a flourish.

“I would say you get frustrated at times,” he said. “You’d like your job to be smooth sailing, but that just hasn’t been my career. I take great pride in showing up each and every game, each and every day, regardless of the situation, and playing with pride and integrity.”

At the midpoint of the season, the Rams are playing an NFC West foe for the first time and the Cardinals for the second.

ST. LOUIS — Quarterback Sam Bradford was active in practice Friday for the St. Louis Rams, who have listed him as questionable for Sunday’s game at Arizona.

Bradford, who has missed two games with a high left ankle sprain, worked in 7-on-7 drills as well as doing some individual work.

“He’s as questionable as you can be,” Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said. “He was limited in practice. Some things we kept him out of, some things we let him go. Now the deal is let’s see how it is tomorrow after he’s done a little more work. We’ll take it one day at a time and see where we’re at on Sunday.”

If Bradford does not play, the Rams will again start A. J. Feeley. In the Rams’ first win of the season last Sunday, Feeley threw for 175 yards and a touchdown on 20 of 37 passing against New Orleans. This weekend’s NFC West matchup pits two teams that are 1-6.

Spagnuolo and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels have discussed the possibility about using Bradford against the Cardinals. Bradford has not lobbied to play, Spagnuolo said.

“I’m sure that’s coming,” Spagnuolo said. “He’s a competitor. We’ll see where we’re at.”

Bradford declined to speak to reporters after practice.

McDaniels acknowledged he would like to see Bradford and recently acquired receiver Brandon Lloyd.

“It’ll be fun. They’re excited. A.J.’s done a great job filling in and if and when that happens, soon, I think those two guys, they’re kind of giddy,” McDaniels said. “They’re like two kids out here that haven’t really got to play with each other, so they’re excited and I think Sam’s just eager and champing at the bit to get out there and play, period. And the fact that he hasn’t had an opportunity to play and practice with Brandon yet, I know he’ll be excited for that opportunity.”

Running back Steven Jackson, who had 159 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries against the Saints, said the team is comfortable with Feeley’s command of the offense.

“He’s doing a good job,” Jackson said. “He’s been a starter in this league. The one thing I can say is that our game plan doesn’t change if Sam won’t go or A.J.’s up. … He managed the game well last week and he does a good job of also getting us out of plays that might not be favorable if a defense shows us something that’s going to take away a play.”

The Rams do have other injuries besides Bradford.

Receiver Danario Alexander is out this week with a hamstring. Linebacker Bryan Kehl hurt his ankle in practice Thursday during a special teams drill and hurt his ankle. He also is out for Sunday.

Receiver Mark Clayton will not be made active this week, Spagnuolo said. After injuring his knee last season, Clayton was placed on the PUP list this year. Last week in practice, he sustained an Achilles tendon injury that has hampered him. St. Louis has until Wednesday to decide what to do with him.

There have not been any roster moves last week or this week.

“It’s a little soothing, so to speak,” Spagnuolo said. “Because when you’re juggling all the time, it makes it tough. And I think there’s a little bit of sense of continuity and guys kind of feeding off of each other when you’ve got the same people in there these two games in a row. We really haven’t had that in a while.”

ST. LOUIS – Quarterback Sam Bradford was active in practice Friday for the St. Louis Rams, who have listed him as questionable for Sunday’s game at Arizona.

Bradford, who has missed two games with a high left ankle sprain, worked in seven-on-seven drills as well as doing some individual work.

“He’s as questionable as you can be,” Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said. “He was limited in practice. Some things we kept him out of, some things we let him go. Now the deal is let’s see how it is tomorrow after he’s done a little more work. We’ll take it one day at a time and see where we’re at on Sunday.”

If Bradford does not play, the Rams will again start A. J. Feeley. In the Rams’ first win of the season last Sunday, Feeley threw for 175 yards and a touchdown on 20 of 37 passing against New Orleans. This weekend’s NFC West matchup pits two teams that are 1-6.

Spagnuolo and offensive co-ordinator Josh McDaniels have discussed the possibility about using Bradford against the Cardinals. Bradford has not lobbied to play, Spagnuolo said.

“I’m sure that’s coming,” Spagnuolo said. “He’s a competitor. We’ll see where we’re at.”

Bradford declined to speak to reporters after practice.

McDaniels acknowledged he would like to see Bradford and recently acquired receiver Brandon Lloyd.

“It’ll be fun. They’re excited. A.J.’s done a great job filling in and if and when that happens, soon, I think those two guys, they’re kind of giddy,” McDaniels said. “They’re like two kids out here that haven’t really got to play with each other, so they’re excited and I think Sam’s just eager and champing at the bit to get out there and play, period. And the fact that he hasn’t had an opportunity to play and practice with Brandon yet, I know he’ll be excited for that opportunity.”

Running back Steven Jackson, who had 159 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries against the Saints, said the team is comfortable with Feeley’s command of the offence.

“He’s doing a good job,” Jackson said. “He’s been a starter in this league. The one thing I can say is that our game plan doesn’t change if Sam won’t go or A.J.’s up. … He managed the game well last week and he does a good job of also getting us out of plays that might not be favourable if a defence shows us something that’s going to take away a play.”

The Rams do have other injuries besides Bradford.

Receiver Danario Alexander is out this week with a hamstring. Linebacker Bryan Kehl hurt his ankle in practice Thursday during a special teams drill and hurt his ankle. He also is out for Sunday.

Receiver Mark Clayton will not be made active this week, Spagnuolo said. After injuring his knee last season, Clayton was placed on the PUP list this year. Last week in practice, he sustained an Achilles tendon injury that has hampered him. St. Louis has until Wednesday to decide what to do with him.

There have not been any roster moves last week or this week.

“It’s a little soothing, so to speak,” Spagnuolo said. “Because when you’re juggling all the time, it makes it tough. And I think there’s a little bit of sense of continuity and guys kind of feeding off of each other when you’ve got the same people in there these two games in a row. We really haven’t had that in a while.”

ST. LOUIS – Quarterback Sam Bradford was active in practice Friday for the St. Louis Rams, who have listed him as questionable for Sunday’s game at Arizona.

Bradford, who has missed two games with a high left ankle sprain, worked in seven-on-seven drills as well as doing some individual work.

“He’s as questionable as you can be,” Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said. “He was limited in practice. Some things we kept him out of, some things we let him go. Now the deal is let’s see how it is tomorrow after he’s done a little more work. We’ll take it one day at a time and see where we’re at on Sunday.”

If Bradford does not play, the Rams will again start A. J. Feeley. In the Rams’ first win of the season last Sunday, Feeley threw for 175 yards and a touchdown on 20 of 37 passing against New Orleans. This weekend’s NFC West matchup pits two teams that are 1-6.

Spagnuolo and offensive co-ordinator Josh McDaniels have discussed the possibility about using Bradford against the Cardinals. Bradford has not lobbied to play, Spagnuolo said.

“I’m sure that’s coming,” Spagnuolo said. “He’s a competitor. We’ll see where we’re at.”

Bradford declined to speak to reporters after practice.

McDaniels acknowledged he would like to see Bradford and recently acquired receiver Brandon Lloyd.

“It’ll be fun. They’re excited. A.J.’s done a great job filling in and if and when that happens, soon, I think those two guys, they’re kind of giddy,” McDaniels said. “They’re like two kids out here that haven’t really got to play with each other, so they’re excited and I think Sam’s just eager and champing at the bit to get out there and play, period. And the fact that he hasn’t had an opportunity to play and practice with Brandon yet, I know he’ll be excited for that opportunity.”

Running back Steven Jackson, who had 159 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries against the Saints, said the team is comfortable with Feeley’s command of the offence.

“He’s doing a good job,” Jackson said. “He’s been a starter in this league. The one thing I can say is that our game plan doesn’t change if Sam won’t go or A.J.’s up. … He managed the game well last week and he does a good job of also getting us out of plays that might not be favourable if a defence shows us something that’s going to take away a play.”

The Rams do have other injuries besides Bradford.

Receiver Danario Alexander is out this week with a hamstring. Linebacker Bryan Kehl hurt his ankle in practice Thursday during a special teams drill and hurt his ankle. He also is out for Sunday.

Receiver Mark Clayton will not be made active this week, Spagnuolo said. After injuring his knee last season, Clayton was placed on the PUP list this year. Last week in practice, he sustained an Achilles tendon injury that has hampered him. St. Louis has until Wednesday to decide what to do with him.

There have not been any roster moves last week or this week.

“It’s a little soothing, so to speak,” Spagnuolo said. “Because when you’re juggling all the time, it makes it tough. And I think there’s a little bit of sense of continuity and guys kind of feeding off of each other when you’ve got the same people in there these two games in a row. We really haven’t had that in a while.”