Bulger should get extended playing time

~ The Rams quarterback probably will play at least half of Friday's exhibition game

ST. LOUIS -- Starting quarterbacks usually ease into the preseason, often playing no more than a series or two in the exhibition opener.

But when the St. Louis Rams visit the Jets on Friday, Marc Bulger expects plenty of playing time -- perhaps as much as three quarters.

The Rams are in their first preseason under coach Steve Spagnuolo. They're also learning the West Coast offense under new coordinator Pat Shurmur.

"It could be three quarters or two," Bulger said of his playing time. "It's a new staff and we're all still trying to get a feel for each other. Hopefully, we'll get a couple of good drives and see how it goes."

How much playing time will be enough?

"It's a fine line. You want to get your work in, and obviously you want to be successful," Bulger said. "You don't want to go in and have two drives and not get anything done. At the same time, you want to be fresh going into the season because it is a long year."

Spagnuolo, trying to turn around a team that was 2-14 last season and 5-27 over the past two seasons, isn't saying how much playing time Bulger or other starters will see against the Jets.

Bulger, sacked 75 times over the past two seasons, said he's not worried about getting hit in the preseason opener. Spagnuolo's training camp practices have included tackling and full pads, though defenders aren't allowed to hit quarterbacks.

"It won't be as big a deal, I think, for the other guys, but for the quarterbacks, it's a good opportunity to get hit and get that initial soreness out," Bulger said.

Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator the past two seasons with the New York Giants, said he hasn't given much thought to the fact his first game as a head coach will be in the stadium where he used to coach.

"The first instance I walk in it'll be, ‘Yeah, I remember this place,' but then it will be all Rams," he said.

Noteworthy

* Linebacker Chris Draft did not practice. He took a thumb to the throat in practice Monday.

* Cornerback Tye Hill landed awkwardly on his right leg while defending a pass and hurt his knee. He had ice put on the swollen knee and did not return to practice.

* Safety Craig Dahl returned to practice for the first time since hurting his hamstring Friday.