Sponsor assured a sellout in Rams' season opener

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Rams met requirements to have their opener televised locally by combining with corporate sponsor Edward Jones investments to buy and distribute several thousand tickets.

The Edward Jones Dome seats about 65,000. Sunday's announced attendance of 52,440 for the 17-13 loss to Arizona was the fourth-lowest at the dome since the franchise moved to the Midwest in 1995.

Rams vice president Kevin Demoff said Monday he was cautiously optimistic of meeting the requirements for more sellouts. The franchise is trying to build enthusiasm for a young team led by No. 1 pick Sam Bradford and Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson and felt it was important to have the opener televised.

The attendance count does not have to include seats in luxury boxes. There were about 4,500 no-shows.

The injury report

Rams linebacker Chris Chamberlain will be sidelined six to eight weeks with turf toe on his left foot, an injury that left him wearing a cast.

Chamberlain is one of the team's top special teams players, and he was hurt in the first half Sunday.

Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said Monday that Chamberlain, who has already seen a foot specialist, may be placed on injured reserve.

"They call it turf toe, it's a little bit more than that," Spagnuolo said. "We've got a decision to make there."

Cornerback Kevin Dockery has a "significant" left hamstring strain and may not play next week at Oakland, Spagnuolo said. Rookie tight end Michael Hoomanawanui has a high left ankle sprain that could sideline him a while.

Wide receiver Laurent Robinson was in a walking cast on his right leg after aggravating an ankle injury, though Spagnuolo said the MRI looked "pretty normal." Robinson caught a touchdown pass on the final play of the first half to tie it at 10.

Running back Steven Jackson underwent an MRI exam on an inflamed right knee, but Spagnuolo thought he'd be fine.

-- Associated Press