Running back misses practice as Rams return to work

ST. LOUIS -- It's still a waiting game with the St. Louis Rams and Marshall Faulk.

Marshall Faulk missed Monday night's victory over the Bears with a high sprain in his right ankle and a strained tendon in his left foot. His status for Sunday's game at Washington won't be determined until game time, coach Mike Martz said Thursday.

Faulk didn't practice, instead visiting with team doctors about the ankle, by far the more serious of the injuries. Martz said Faulk won't practice the rest of the week; he didn't practice all last week, either.

"I think we'll just keep him out until they make a decision," Martz said. "What's helped him is staying off this thing and letting it heal. I don't know if we'll have him for Sunday or not."

"I'm more optimistic, certainly, than last week," Martz added. "I think there's a chance we'll have him."

If Faulk can't play, rookie Lamar Gordon again would start. Gordon had 97 yards rushing and receiving, including a 22-yard touchdown reception, against the Bears.

Martz said Faulk, who has missed only eight games in eight-plus seasons, has been frustrated by the injury. Faulk, who rarely speaks to the media, declined comment before practice.

"He's such a quick healer, he's used to just fighting through it," Martz said. "Now they know exactly what it is; it's just a strain in the membrane, and I think that's a relief to him."

Kurt Warner, the other half of the Rams' MVP backfield, was a bit shaky on some of his throws as he practiced for the first time since reclaiming the No. 1 quarterback job from Marc Bulger. Martz said it might take a little while for Warner, who hasn't played since Sept. 29, to get his timing back.

"Shoot, he's fine," Martz said. "Another good day of practice tomorrow and I think he'll be ready."

Bulger, who returns to a backup role this week, was held out with a sprained right index finger he hurt against the Bears. He reported huge improvement on Thursday, however, and might get some work on Friday.

"I'm going to try to throw the ball tomorrow," Bulger said. "I kept it elevated, and that seemed to work."

Martz said Bulger would definitely be the backup at Washington on Sunday, whatever it takes. Bulger took a painkilling injection before finishing the game against the Bears, and Martz hinted that Bulger probably would need another injection.

"He'll be the No. 2, but in order for him to play, they'll have to treat it," Martz said.