Little eager to return to form

MEQUON, Wis. -- The St. Louis Rams counted on improving their pass rush when they took Chris Long with the second overall pick of the draft. A bigger factor this year: The other end, Leonard Little, is ready to harass quarterbacks again.

The franchise's career sacks leader had only one in 2007 while dogged by a torn ligament in his left big toe that severely reduced the lightning forays off the edge that are his calling card. After surgery that knocked him out for the second half of last year and a three-month rehab, it's impossible to determine which foot had been the problem.

A long, thin scar that extends from the side of the toe to the foot is the lone reminder of a lost season for both Little and the Rams, who were 3-13.

"I can't tell at all," Little said Wednesday. "One of the best foot surgeons in America did the operation and he said I was going to have a little soreness for a while but that I would be 100 percent in time. Right now, I feel like I'm 100 percent."

The Rams had anticipated babying Little early in training camp. Instead, he was such a fast healer heading into his 11th season that he's been taking a full load for a while.

He was in a cast for nearly a month after the surgery, done by foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson of Charlotte, N.C., and a walking boot for another two months before beginning the climb back. A bunion over the years had stressed the ligament and it finally gave out.

"He really made a remarkable recovery," Rams coach Scott Linehan said. "He was good to go in May, which was great, and I think that's really helped accelerate his progress."

Defensive end is where the majority of the pass rush and the sacks are supposed to come from, but Rams ends totaled just 5 1/2 last year, making that position a priority on draft day. The other starting end, James Hall, was dogged much of the season by an ankle injury and had just 2 1/2 sacks.

Linebacker Will Witherspoon, who lined up at end at times, led the team with seven sacks. The top total on the line came from La'Roi Glover with six.

Hall was released in a salary cap move before re-signing at a reduced rate in late March.

"People tended to blame him for a lot last year, but he played hurt," Little said. "People don't really have faith in him, but as you see in training camp, he's doing a great job. James Hall can play."

Long, the son of Hall of Famer Howie Long, was handed Hall's old job moments after the Rams drafted him and is expected to be a force in time.

Aside from last year, the 260-pound Little has been a force for a while. His 13 sacks in 2006 tied for second most in the NFC and he's reached double digits four times in 10 seasons with the Rams after coming out of college as a 225-pound linebacker.

Little will be 34 in October, and is one of only three holdovers from the franchise's lone Super Bowl championship after the 1999 season, but enters the season with renewed vigor.

"I guess it's for everybody else to see, but I'm out there just trying to run and make plays like my old self," Little said. "I don't want to end my career getting carted off, but if I can compete at a high level, I can play for a long time."

Noteworthy

• An MRI exam on OG Mark Setterstrom, who left practice early Tuesday, showed a minor muscle strain in his left leg near the knee. He's expected to be out a few days.
• Rookie OL John Greco, a third-round pick this year, has been getting snaps with the first unit at Setterstrom's spot. He's expected to provide depth at both G and T.
• TE Joe Klopfenstein missed part of the morning workout with tightness in his back and cramping.