Star RB must show Haslett he's healthy

ST. LOUIS -- Burned by Steven Jackson's ineffective play coming off a thigh injury last week after the running back insisted he was ready, St. Louis Rams coach Jim Haslett said Wednesday he'll go with untested backups until Jackson proves it on the field.

That leaves Kenneth Darby, signed off the Falcons' practice squad Oct. 15, as the likely starter against the Jets in New York on Sunday. Samkon Gado, signed off the street Tuesday, would be the backup while hurrying to absorb enough of the playbook to contribute.

Haslett said Jackson, who did not practice, would be questionable along with fellow running backs Antonio Pittman (hamstring) and Travis Minor (concussion). Jackson had only 17 yards on seven carries in last week's 34-13 loss to the Cardinals, dropped a sure touchdown pass and didn't start because he was worried the cutback run call on the Rams' first play might aggravate his injury.

"When he comes out and practices and when I see him playing like he's playing the game, he'll play in the game," Haslett said. "If not, we'll continue to go the route we're going.

"I'm thinking right now that Darby and Sam are our two running backs, and if the other three miraculously come around and play, then we'll be better for it."

Jackson, Pittman and Minor did not practice Wednesday.

Cornerback Tye Hill (knee) had a setback in his aim to return from arthroscopic surgery and said he was going to meet with Dr. James Andrews early next week in Birmingham, Ala. Defensive end Eric Moore (neck) also did not practice, while defensive tackle Adam Carriker (ankle) and wide receiver Derek Stanley (ankle) were limited.

The 5-foot-10, 211-pound Darby rushed for 3,324 yards at Alabama, third most in school history behind Shaun Alexander and Bobby Humphrey. He was sidetracked his senior year when his father contracted fatal cancer, and after rushing for 835 yards with a 4.0-yard average, he wasn't drafted until Bucs took him in the seventh round.

Darby has two career carries for 9 yards, both last season for Tampa Bay. He has appeared in two games with the Rams on special teams, with one carry that was called back by a penalty, but feels ready to step in.

"I've been waiting for this moment, and I'm going to take full advantage of it," Darby said. "Words really can't describe how I'm feeling, I'm just ready to go out there and show these coaches and everyone else what I'm made of, what I can do."

The Rams like Darby's low-to-the-ground running style. He can't match the bruising style of the 240-pound Jackson.

"I've learned a lot from this guy since I've been here," Darby said. "I'm not going to try to compare myself to him or nothing like that because he's a great back."

The 5-10, 226-pound Gado had 582 yards and a 4.1-yard average with six touchdowns for the Packers in 2005. Last year he totaled 150 yards on 53 carries for the Texans and Dolphins and wasn't invited to an NFL camp this summer.

Before a tryout Tuesday that led to a contract, Gado had been working out six days a week at home in Columbia, S.C.

Gado's relationship with Rams offensive coordinator Al Saunders when both were in Kansas City in 2005 led to St. Louis' interest. His familiarity with the system could help, although some of his plays in practice didn't look very sharp.

Haslett said Gado will have to be ready given the Rams' circumstances, and will be given a limited number of plays. Coaches were trying to quickly get Gado up to speed with a two-hour meeting Tuesday night and another two-hour session on Wednesday morning.

Hill, a first-round pick in 2006, has missed four games with the knee injury and had already counted himself out for a fifth. Doctors tried to drain the knee of fluid Sunday and "it's just been a hassle ever since," Hill said.

"I'm definitely out," Hill said. "I can't run."