National Football League

Bradford misses practice, likely to sit

Published Oct. 26, 2011 11:36 p.m. ET

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Sam Bradford is still in a walking boot and it appears that at least another week will pass before the St. Louis Rams quarterback gets back on the field.

Bradford was not at practice Wednesday while rehabbing from a high left ankle sprain, leaving his availability in doubt for the second straight game. Backup A.J. Feeley got his first start since 2007 in a 34-7 loss at Dallas and expects to get the call again this week against the New Orleans Saints.

''Until I'm told not to, I'm going to assume that role,'' Feeley said. ''I think it's going to be tough to keep Sam off the field but if that's not the case, I'll go again.

''Until then, the ship keeps on rolling.''

Bradford's leg was placed in a cast on Saturday, a day after on-field testing aggravated the injury, and it was taken off Wednesday morning. The 0-6 Rams will try to avoid risking another setback for Bradford, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 draft, and aren't sure when they'll try another round of tests.

Trainer Reggie Scott noted that Bradford wasn't able to get up on his toes while simulating dropbacks and other movements during last week's tests.

Bradford said the ankle feels better than it did last week before the testing, and he's begun light strength exercises.

''When they feel I'm ready to test it out again, we'll test it out,'' Bradford said.

The 34-year-old Feeley was 20 for 33 for 166 yards and an interception with no touchdowns against the Cowboys, and noted that if the Rams scored only seven points he couldn't have had a very good day.

It was just the 16th career start in 11 seasons for Feeley, who also was a backup much of his senior year at Oregon behind Joey Harrington in 2000. No matter the result, Feeley definitely appreciated the opportunity.

''There were times that I soaked it up,'' Feeley said. ''Not that I got caught up in the moment or anything, but there's times when you step back and you realize the situation and you seize the day a little bit, you realize this is pretty awesome.

''It's been a while for me. But then you go right back into football mode.''

The Rams are the lowest-scoring team in the NFL, averaging just nine points, so they weren't that effective even with Bradford behind center. They've scored four touchdowns in 14 trips inside the 20 — just one spot above the league cellar in that category.

Bradford passed for 299 yards at Green Bay, and the Rams totaled three points. He threw for 331 yards against the Giants, but with just one touchdown.

Missing the game at Dallas was especially painful for Bradford, who won a Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma and had anticipated playing in front of family members and friends.

''Never in my mind did I really think what it was going to be like on Sunday if I didn't get to play,'' Bradford said. ''I think it hit me when I walked into the locker room during pregame and my jersey wasn't on my pads, and I knew I wasn't going to go out there.''

Both offensive tackles missed practice Wednesday. Jason Smith has a concussion, although a spine specialist determined his accompanying neck injury was a bruise. Rodger Saffold and running back Jerious Norwood were sent home due to illness.

Defensive tackle Darell Scott (concussion), wide receiver Danario Alexander (hamstring), cornerback Justin King (groin) and linebacker Brady Poppinga (calf) also did not practice.

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