Rams quarterbacks Bradford, Feeley both miss practice

ST. LOUIS -- Sam Bradford ran in the pool and rode an exercise bicycle as the St. Louis Rams tried to nurse their quarterback back to health.

If Bradford can't go Monday night at Seattle, the Rams (2-10) likely will be down to a player with zero NFL snaps because backup A.J. Feeley has all but ruled himself out with a broken thumb on his right hand.

"It's pretty sore right now," Feeley said. "It's pretty swollen. It's pretty tough to grip."

Tom Brandstater, who was elevated from the practice squad last week, took snaps with the first string in an abbreviated practice that lasted about an hour Wednesday. The former Fresno State standout has been on the active roster for three games this year and a full season with Denver in 2009 after getting drafted in the sixth round.

Bradford lobbied to play before the 49ers game but was held out to avoid further injury. Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said it was too early to hazard a guess about Bradford's status for this week.

Rams quarterback Sam Bradford is hit by Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell while during their game last month in St. Louis. (TOM GANNAM ~ Associated Press)

The plan is for Bradford to practice as little as possible.

"His status is the same," Spagnuolo said. "We're trying to get it to Monday."

Feeley said it would be at least a week before swelling subsides and he can attempt to grip the ball.

"If it's a pain tolerance thing, I have no problem going through with it," Feeley said. "But if it's giving way every time I grip the ball because the bone is shifting, it probably won't work out."

The Rams are stockpiling quarterbacks just in case, signing Kellen Clemens to the roster and Matt Gutierrez to the practice squad. The 28-year-old Clemens was released by the Texans on Monday after spending two weeks with that team.

Whoever's taking the snaps will be working with a decimated line. Guard Jacob Bell joined tackles Jason Smith and Rodger Saffold on injured reserve not long after he expressed optimism he might be able to recover from a torn MCL on his right knee and play the last two games.

Bell was the only lineman to start every game at the same position.

He was hurt in the fourth quarter when the 49ers' Ray McDonald landed on the leg.

Feeley also dislocated his left ring finger during the game, but he quickly yanked it back into place.

Safety Darian Stewart practiced after being cleared from a concussion that sidelined him last week.

In other roster juggling, cornerback Chris Smith was signed to the roster off the practice squad, cornerback Nate Ness was released and running back Chase Reynolds was signed to the practice squad for the third time.