Bradford misses practice, likely to sit

ST. LOUIS -- Sam Bradford still is in a walking boot and it appears that at least another week will pass before the St. Louis Rams quarterback gets back on the field.

Bradford was not at practice Wednesday while rehabbing from a high left ankle sprain, leaving his availability in doubt for the second consecutive game. Backup A.J. Feeley got his first start since 2007 in a 34-7 loss at Dallas and expects to get the call again this week against the New Orleans Saints.

"Until I'm told not to, I'm going to assume that role," Feeley said. "I think it's going to be tough to keep Sam off the field, but if that's not the case, I'll go again.

"Until then, the ship keeps on rolling."

Bradford's leg was placed in a cast Saturday, a day after on-field testing aggravated the injury. The cast was removed Wednesday morning. The 0-6 Rams will try to avoid risking another setback for Bradford, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 draft, and aren't sure when they'll try another round of tests.

Trainer Reggie Scott noted that Bradford wasn't able to get up on his toes while simulating dropbacks and other movements during last week's tests.

Bradford said the ankle feels better than it did last week before the testing, and he's begun light strength exercises.

"When they feel I'm ready to test it out again, we'll test it out," Bradford said.

The 34-year-old Feeley was 20 of 33 for 166 yards and an interception with no touchdowns against the Cowboys. He said that he couldn't have had a very good day if the Rams scored only seven points.

It was just the 16th career start in 11 seasons for Feeley, who also was a backup much of his senior year at Oregon behind Joey Harrington in 2000. Feeley definitely appreciated the opportunity, no matter the result.

"There were times that I soaked it up," Feeley said. "Not that I got caught up in the moment or anything, but there's times when you step back and you realize the situation and you seize the day a little bit. You realize this is pretty awesome.

"It's been a while for me. But then you go right back into football mode."

The Rams are the lowest-scoring team in the NFL, averaging just nine points, so they weren't that effective even with Bradford behind center. They've scored four touchdowns in 14 trips inside the 20 -- just one spot above the league cellar in that category.