PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Rams Ponder the Fate of T.J. Rubley

After cutting nine players, including wide receiver Sean LaChapelle Monday, the Rams face another tough decision this week--what do they do with injured backup quarterback T.J. Rubley?

Rubley, nursing tendinitis in his right elbow, could be placed on the injured list, but would be unable to play for the rest of the season. He could remain on the roster and not play, or the team could cut him.

“I’m worried about getting healthy,� Rubley said. “And whatever happens administratively happens.

“The swelling (in the elbow) has gone down a little bit and it’s getting more flexible. But it’s still not coming at the pace I wanted it to.�

Rubley has missed most of training camp, but threw a few passes Monday--left-handed.

“(Quarterback Jamie) Martin was getting tired so he told me to use my left hand,� Rubley said. “You feel like you’re just standing around out there, and you have to do something to satisfy the anxiety.�

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Jessie Hester, a free-agent acquisition from Indianapolis, is challenging Nate Lewis for the second starting wide receiver spot behind Flipper Anderson.

Hester has caught seven passes for 112 yards in three exhibition games, including three for 59 yards last week against the Raiders.

“The coaching staff and the quarterbacks are showing a lot more confidence in me, that I’m a dependable guy they can go to,� Hester said. “They’ve indicated that in their actions on the field and in practice.�

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Defensive tackle Sean Gilbert (left ankle) and defensive end Gerald Robinson (left ankle) didn’t practice but lifted weights Monday. Gilbert is expected to be out 10 days, and both players are out for the San Diego game. . . . Defensive end Fred Stokes (knee sprain) returned to practice Monday for the first time in three weeks, but got little action. . . . While the offensive line did a better job of protecting the quarterbacks against the Raiders, the run blocking still leaves something to be desired. Tailback Jerome Bettis has played four quarters in the exhibition season, and has carried the ball 20 times for 57 yards, an average of 2.85 yards.