Timmerman's 204-game streak may end

~ The guard hasn't missed a game since the 1995 season.

ST. LOUIS -- Adam Timmerman's iron man streak on the St. Louis Rams' offensive line is in serious jeopardy.

The 35-year-old guard hasn't missed a game since 1995, his rookie season. He's played in 184 consecutive regular-season games, and including playoff games the count is at 204.

But he's been bothered the last three weeks by three broken ribs, is listed as questionable, and by his own admission did not play well in Monday night's loss to the Chicago Bears. Coach Scott Linehan said Thursday it's likely that Timmerman won't dress this week at Oakland.

"The guy's as tough as there is, he's been giving his all," Linehan said. "As you watch it and evaluate it, I'm not sure it's helping him or helping the team at this point."

Timmerman said the injury hasn't gotten better, or worse.

"I know that's one thing we can do is rest this week, and not bang around on Sunday, and see how they are," Linehan said. "That's what he's exploring right now. It's definitely not the way I like it, but it happens."

Another player battling injuries, outside linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa, was placed on injured reserve on Thursday as anticipated, meaning his season is over. Tinoisamoa has played most of the season with a dislocated left elbow and now has two broken hands.

Linehan said he'd likely finalize plans for Timmerman and other changes in the line after Friday's practice. Center Richie Incognito could switch to guard, where the team envisions him settling eventually, with Brett Romberg filling in at center. Romberg, signed off the Jaguars' practice squad in September, played some center against the 49ers in Game 10.

Another player who could factor in is Adam Goldberg, who has played both guard spots as well as left tackle.

Timmerman said the toughest part about his injury is it's taken a long time to bounce back from games. This week, because of the Monday night game, the Rams have one fewer day to prepare.

Linehan said preparation suffers when players aren't able to take practice snaps. That's been the case recently with Timmerman.

"I don't want to get out there and not put us in a position to win because I'm out there," Timmerman said. "If we do something differently, it's whatever coach Linehan thinks is best for the team, and I'm OK with that."

Linehan said he's considering Timmerman's streak, but that it can't outweigh his readiness.

"It is special, I understand that and there's a lot of dignity involved," Linehan said. "I've also got to do what's best for the team. That's part of my job."

Without Timmerman, the Rams would have only one player -- tackle Todd Steussie -- with much experience on the line. Tackle Alex Barron is in his second year, guard Mark Setterstrom is a rookie and Incognito is essentially a rookie after missing his first season rehabbing from knee surgery.

Veteran Dexter Coakley, a three-time Pro Bowl player who made two starts in place of Tinoisamoa earlier in the year, will again take over at that position. Coakley, 34, has been mostly a backup since returning from a dislocated ankle and broken leg last season.

Linehan said Tinoisamoa, who led the team in tackles the previous three seasons, was disappointed yet realistic.

"He might have broken a single-season record for arm and shoulder and hand injuries," Linehan said. "I told him, 'Just get it out of your system and plan on being healthy the rest of your career. It's bizarre."