Hodgins to make first start Sunday

The Hammer is back in the Rams' attack.

Fullback James Hodgins on Friday passed his final test -- a full work load to test the broken foot that sidelined him since the preseason -- and coach Mike Martz named the man with the imposing nickname the starter for Sunday's game at Arizona.

Hodgins' foot fared better than the rest of his body, but the Rams figure the conditioning will return in time.

"He's a little out of shape," Martz said. "That chest of his was heaving pretty good -- hands on the hips, helmet tilted back and gasping for air. But he's fine, he's getting back into the groove."

The 6-foot-1, 270-pound Hodgins managed a laugh when hearing of Martz's assessment.

"He sold me out, huh?" Hodgins said. "It was a rough one, but I fought through it."-- AP