Hodgins may return Sunday

St. Louis Rams fullback James Hodgins practiced Monday for the first time since breaking his left foot in the preseason, and the team is hopeful he can return to the lineup on Sunday.

The Rams consider the 6-1, 270-pound Hodgins, whose nickname is "The Hammer," one of the best blocking backs in the NFL.

"If his foot's fine, he will have a meaningful role," coach Mike Martz said. "He's such a devastating lead blocker."

Martz also said pins will be removed from Kurt Warner's broken right pinky next Monday. The NFL's MVP has been out a month and will be sidelined at least another month.

"They're real pleased with the healing," Martz said.

Martz said Hodgins will be worked in slowly this week, but the Rams could use him. Backup Chris Hetherington aggravated a groin injury during the bye week and won't be available for this week's game against the Cardinals.

-- AP