Sept 16, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Kellen Heard (96) acknowledges the fans after the game against the Washington Redskins at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Redskins 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Scott Rovak-US PRESSWIRE

Contrary to popular belief, the NFL season did not end after the controversial Monday Night game in Seattle. The St. Louis Rams get first crack at the Seattle Seahawks following their emotional win over the Green Bay Packers. The Rams will likely have a bustle of new fans, mainly in the state of Wisconsin, cheering them on as they try to regroup from a well-fought game against the Chicago Bears last Sunday.

As usual on Wednesday around mid-afternoon, the first reports from Rams Camp are starting to roll out. The biggest highlight was likely the absence of Steven Jackson from the practice field, although it should not be a surprise since Coach Fisher stated that Jackson would be getting a lot of rest in between games. As for what to expect, Jackson did not participate in practice for most of last week, but saw amble playing time once Sunday rolled around.

On a brighter note, Michael Brockers looks to be continuing his progress back from injury. Late last week it was reported the Brockers had shed the walking boot and was lightly participating on the sidelines. Brockers saw limited action again today, not ready to take the full brunt of practice, yet. However, he was optimistic that he would be ready to go against Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/STLouisRams/status/251038056319176704"]

The Rams need a more dominant presence in the middle of the field. For one, it will take some of the double teams off of Robert Quinn and Chris Long. Secondly, the Rams have allowed 35 points on the ground already this season, most of which have come right up the gut, barreling over the interior of the defensive line. Kendall Langford has played well, but the play of Cudjo and Heard isn’t going to cut it if the Rams are hoping to compete in the NFC West this year.

Via St. Louis Rams Insider, Tony Softli, Coach Fisher had this to say about Brockers following Wednesdays practice,

“He was limited but practiced, will see how he is later in the week and report his status will be for game time. If he is back and able to play he will have an impact on our front from a pass rush standpoint and as a Run defender.”

Other player updates from practice:

• RB Steven Jackson (groin), Out
• S Matt Daniels (hamstring), Out
• OT Rodger Saffold (knee), Out
• DE Eugene Sims (sent home with flu), Out not due to injury
• LT Wayne Hunter (ankle), Limited
• DT Matt Conrath (knee), Limited

As far as the St. Louis Rams, the biggest injury news today was the Steven Jackson was not practicing again. Jeff Fisher mentioned yesterday that Jackson would be day-to-day, but we were all hopeful to at least see him on the field prior to the start of the game. However, his “questionable” status is not the worst news at the running back position,

For Chicago, RB Matt Forte (ankle) is ruled out and DE Julius Peppers (foot) is ruled probable.

— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) September 21, 2012

Both of those injuries would significantly help the Rams chances on Sunday. With Forte out, Michael Bush will get the full time start, who is much less of a threat in the passing game and rushing on the edges. With questions at the left tackle spot, Peppers’ injury could be a sign of relief for whoever starts opposite Richardson on the line. Speaking of left tackle,

For Rams, DT Conrath, LT Saffold, & S Matt Daniels ruled out; DT Brockers is doubtful; RB Jackson, FB Miller, & LT Hunter are questionable.

— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) September 21, 2012

Wayne Hunter is listed as “questionable” alongside Steven Jackson for the game. However, the biggest change on the injury report may be Michael Brockers, who was out of his walking boot and participated in drills on the sideline on Friday. I highly doubt that he will play on Sunday, but if he continues to heal at such a quick pace there is always a chance he may find his way into the rotation.

Rodger Saffold is still out with the knee injury, and will likely remain out for the next couple of week. The injuries to Conrath and Daniels are not as significant, with some solid depth at the defensive tackle position. However, Daniels had been making some nice contributions on special teams before sustaining the hamstring injury on kickoff against the Washington Redskins.

Stay posted to Ramblin’ Fan for updates on the injury front prior to the matchup. Go Rams!!

There were some potentially serious injuries suffered in the game as well, as Jason Smith and Darell Scott both got carted off the field. Smith’s looked really bad when it happened, and there was serious concern for his health and safety while he was down. I haven’t gotten an official update on either player yet from the team, but I heard earlier today that Smith had full motion in all of his extremities. I’ll have the full report tomorrow, so stay tuned.

Also, let me acknowledge one of the few bright spots from today’s game. Brandon Lloyd looks like he could be a great fit here in St. Louis. He led the team with 74 yards receiving, and I thought he looked like a significant upgrade in talent over most of the guys on this roster. You have to think he will only get better as he gets more comfortable here and he develops a relationship and familiarity with Sam Bradford, so there could be at least one light at the end of what’s starting to look like an increasingly dark, never-ending tunnel.