Giants' Strahan will start against Rams

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan hopes to play every down against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday despite missing all four of the New York Giants' preseason games with a broken toe on his right foot.

"I don't want to play three plays and call it a day," Strahan said Thursday after his last major practice for the regular-season opener. "The toe feels good."

Strahan, who set the NFL single-season record for sacks with 22 1/2 in 2001, broke his little toe three days before the preseason opener against New England when a teammate stepped on it in practice.

Coach Jim Fassel held him out of practice for the last four weeks.

Strahan practiced for the first time Monday, and he got a little added assurance on Tuesday when X-rays of the toe showed it was healing.

Strahan said playing Rams offensive tackle Kyle Turley should help him.

"He is one of those guys you have to be at your best," Strahan said. "I definitely look forward to it, because it is a challenge. There are a few guys out there you play them and you know you have a battle for the entire game. He is one of them."

-- AP