Rams report, 10/29

Bad omens for the Rams Sunday, and beyond...

* Jason Smith suffered an apparent concussion in practice Thursday. He was held out of practice today due to concussion-like symptoms and is officially out for the Carolina game Sunday.

Smith hasn't been Jackie Slater at right tackle, but this is a very bad development for the Rams. Smith missed a number of games last year, his rookie season, due to concussion. At this point I think it's a very legitimate fear that this is going to be a lifelong, career-shortening problem for the 2009 #2 pick overall.

Odds are that Adam Goldberg will play RT Sunday, with John Greco at RG. That line could well still hold its own; Greco's been a strong run-blocker and Carolina hasn't put together much of a pass rush this season.

On the other hand, Renardo Foster is claiming after today's practice that HE's starting at right tackle Sunday. Words cannot express what a bad idea that would be.

Remember me picking the Panthers yesterday to put the whammy on them? It isn't working.

* Danario Alexander damaged cartilage in his left knee during practice today and will have to have it operated on for the FIFTH time. This is "minor" knee surgery, however, and the first estimate is that he will be out 2 to 4 weeks. Still, a scenario where you have four healthy wide receivers and count Laurent Robinson as one of them? Not good. Not good at all.

On the other hand, Isaac Bruce will be at the stadium Sunday. Seriously, suit him up. He'd probably be the leading receiver...

* Steven Jackson did not practice yesterday but has already announced he's going to play Sunday. Most of the other players who were out of Wednesday's practice were still out as well. Limited participation for Ron Bartell (shoulder, thigh) and James Laurinaitis (knee). James Butler has improved enough for limited participation and his chances of playing Sunday have improved. David Vobora and Mardy Gilyard have been upgraded to full participation.

So, yeah, the Rams' offensive and defensive leaders are both nicked up. The bye week's coming at the perfect time, but beating Carolina Sunday's getting harder by the minute.

* There are still 4,000 left, but enough tickets have been sold satisfy the NFL's TV blackout policy. The game will be on KTVI-2 at noon.