Surgery completed on Warner's broken finger

ST. LOUIS -- Rams quarterback Kurt Warner successfully underwent surgery Tuesday to stabilize the broken pinkie on the two-time MVP's throwing hand and will be sidelined at least two months.

"He'll be gradually introduced to football-related activities," said Dr. Matthew Matava, the Rams' team physician who assisted in the surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. "When we say eight to 10 weeks, we're speaking about him being back to playing competitively."

During the 55-minute procedure, surgeons inserted four pins to stabilize the broken pinkie, which Warner injured in the first quarter of Sunday's 13-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Warner is wearing a bulky splint to protect and immobilize the finger for roughly four weeks, after which time he will begin therapy to restore strength and range of motion. The pins will be removed in five to six weeks, the Rams said.

Warner's injury was the latest blow for the struggling Rams, the defending NFC champions who at 0-4 are off to their worst start since 1963.

Two years ago, Warner had surgery on the same finger on his right hand and missed five games. But the latest injury will take longer to heal because the pinkie was broken in three places and was displaced, said Dr. Richard Gelberman, an orthopedic surgeon who performed Tuesday's procedure.

Matava said Warner experienced no complications during the surgery and there is no reason to think the timeframe for his recovery will change.

"He doesn't have any risk factors for a bone not to heal," Matava said. "He doesn't smoke, his diet certainly is good, he's in the best hands, as far as the training staff with the Rams. There is no reason, especially based on past experience, that the healing should not occur as expected."

On Sunday, Warner landed on his hand after he was hit during a safety blitz by Roy Williams, and his pass was intercepted by the Cowboys' Greg Ellis.

Rams sign Covington to fill No. 3 QB spot

Scott Covington has been signed as the team's No. 3 quarterback, backing up Warner replacement Jamie Martin and reserve Marc Bulger. Covington will remain with the team until Warner returns.

Covington, a former Miami Hurricanes quarterback drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round in 1999, was on the Bengals' roster for four games last season and for all 16 in 2000 but hasn't played in a game since 1999.

-- From wire reports