PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Griffith Gets Shot at Fullback Duty

Running back Howard Griffith, who has yet to carry or catch the ball in his four years in the game, will replace fullback Tim Lester at times Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.

“It’s a reward for a player who has been working his tail off,” said Chick Harris, Ram offensive coordinator.

Griffith, drafted by the Colts in 1991, has been with the Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers, and last year with the Rams he returned eight kickoffs for a 21.9-yard average.

Harris said Griffith’s increased role is not a reflection on Lester’s play, but Lester dropped a pass to open last week’s game and has not been as dominating a blocker as he was a year ago.

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Cornerback Todd Lyght, on defending Jerry Rice, who has scored 11 of his NFL-record 127 touchdown against the Rams: “It’s comparable to going out and trying to D-up Michael Jordan. He’s going to get some, but you have to make it so he’s not going to be the game-breaker.” . . . Cornerback Steve Israel continued to stand on the sideline Friday while Darryl Henley started in his place. Coach Chuck Knox, however, declined to say who would start against the 49ers.

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Running back James Bostic, the team’s No. 3 draft pick, was put on the inactive list for a third consecutive week. Keith Loneker, who is out with a foot injury, linebacker Brett Collins and cornerback Dexter Davis will be inactive for the 49ers.