Barron's surgery scheduled for today

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Alex Barron will undergo surgery for a thumb injury today, possibly leaving the team without both starting tackles for this week's game.

Barron, the team's first-round pick, was subbing for an injured Orlando Pace when he was hurt early in the fourth quarter of Sunday's overtime victory over the Texans. Pace underwent an MRI exam for a right hip flexor and left hamstring on Monday.

Interim coach Joe Vitt said Barron would miss this week's game, but was expected back next week. He said Barron would wear a cast the rest of the season.

Barron wasn't sure when he was injured, remembering only that his hand got caught in an opponent's jersey or helmet. He was unsure how long he'd be sidelined.

"I don't even know what it was, I just know it happened and I came to the sideline and checked it out and something was wrong with it," Barron said. "I'll just try to get back as soon as I can."

-- The Associated Press