Bruce puts brief heart scare behind

The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS -- Isaac Bruce admits it was a "funny feeling" when an irregular heart beat turned up during routine testing this spring. But now, the St. Louis Rams' wide receiver is fine as he prepares to begin his 12th season.

Bruce, 32, was held out of a June minicamp after the irregular heart beat was detected. He wore a heart monitor for about a day and everything checked out fine.

"Oh, I'm good," Bruce said Monday. "This is what, Day 12 of camp?

"That was a funny feeling. But everything is A-OK."

Monday was the Rams' second straight day off after a Saturday night scrimmage at Washington University in St. Louis. The Rams will spend the rest of the week preparing for the preseason opener Friday night against the Chicago Bears at the Edward Jones Dome.

Bruce, the last of the Los Angeles Rams that moved to St. Louis in 1995, said he is ready to see some competition. He was second on the team last season behind Torry Holt with 89 catches for 1,292 yards and six touchdowns.

Bruce is third among active receivers with 11,753 yards, including seven 1,000-yard seasons. He doesn't see his age as a factor.

"I don't say I can't, I say I can," said Bruce. "When my body feels like I can't, I say I can and I do."

Bruce believes the Rams can go deep into the playoffs this season. St. Louis was a wild-card team at 8-8 in 2004 and beat Seattle in the first round of the playoffs before losing to Atlanta.

"I'm all about winning championships," Bruce said. "Whatever works, let's get it done. I think we've improved in areas that we needed to improve."

With two years left on his contract, Bruce said he has given no thought to retiring.

"You don't have to worry about me -- I won't be here like Jerry Rice," Bruce said. "That's a long time, man. That's a lot of meetings."

Noteworthy

* Left tackle Orlando Pace said his strained quad is getting better. He has not practiced since Thursday. "It's nothing to really be concerned about," Pace said. "It's just a strain. So, I'll be ready to go when coach needs me. I think I'll be fine."