Tuesday, September 9, 2003
Warner out, Bulger is in as Rams QB
Starter's concussion concerns coach
The Associated Press
Kurt Warner got out of the hospital Monday and was doing better a day after sustaining a concussion, but he won't start Sunday at quarterback when the St. Louis Rams face San Francisco in their home opener.
Rams coach Mike Martz said he'll likely wait until the end of the week to make a decision whether to activate Warner, but backup Marc Bulger - 6-1 last year - almost certainly will start.
"I'm just going to count on starting Marc, basically," Martz said. "I'm going to err on the side of caution in this situation."
The Rams also moved to add depth at quarterback, signing former Bengal Scott Covington and releasing Kirk Farmer. Covington was a Rams backup last year.
Team doctors described Warner's concussion as mild to moderate. A CT scan and X-rays on Warner's neck and head taken Sunday night were negative.
The Rams think Warner was injured when he was sacked by Michael Strahan in the first quarter of Sunday's 23-13 loss to the New York Giants. Warner was 34-for-54 for 342 yards. He threw for one touchdown and was intercepted once. He was sacked six times and fumbled six times - losing three.
Rookie wideout Shaun McDonald will be sidelined 4-to-6 weeks after injuring his thumb.
PACKERS: It's not far-fetched to think that Antonio Freeman could be back in green and gold.
The former Green Bay flanker who caught 57 touchdown passes from Brett Favre between 1995-2001 is looking for work. The Packers are looking for a receiver with experience in the West Coast offense, Donald Driver is still in the hospital.
COWBOYS: Bill Parcells' debut as coach earned Fox its highest overnight NFL rating ever, while CBS' opening-day ratings were up 14 percent.
Atlanta's 27-13 win over the Cowboys, the 4 p.m. EDT game on Fox, drew a 15.2 rating with a 30 share, the network's highest pro football rating ever.
PANTHERS: Jake Delhomme was named the Carolina's new starting quarterback after leading the team from 17 points down to a 24-23 win over Jacksonville. He replaces Rodney Peete.
Linebacker Mike Caldwell will be out at least one month because of an injured left knee.
TITANS: Kicker Joe Nedney tore a ligament in his non-kicking leg and will have season-ending surgery. Nedney is in his third year of a five-year contract, and had just kicked a 50-yard field goal midway through the second quarter. He was hurt while making a tackle on the ensuing kickoff of the Titans' 25-20 victory over Oakland.
Punter Craig Hentrich, who kicked 39 field goals while at Notre Dame, replaced Nedney and made three field goals, tying his career high. But coach Jeff Fisher said Hentrich is not an option right now.
Fisher also said quarterback Steve McNair sprained his left knee during Sunday night's game against Oakland and will be questionable for practice.
Tight end Frank Wycheck suffered his second concussion in less than a month.
BEARS: Starting guard Chris Villarrial will miss 4-to-6 weeks because of a sprained left knee.
JETS: New York re-signed quarterback Jamie Martin, who was released last week.
SEAHAWKS: Rookie fullback Chris Davis will miss the rest of the season due to a torn ligament in his left knee.
BENGALS-NFL
Lewis: One thing at a time
West Coast is anathema for Bengals
Notes: Search on for special help
MNF: Buccaneers 17, Eagles 0
Looking back at your own risk
Warner out, Bulger is in as Rams QB
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
OSU coach wants Clarett out
Wolfpack not changing strategy vs. Buckeyes
West Virginia offers UC a chance to audition
REDS / BASEBALL
Pirates 9, Reds 1
Selig supporter of Reds' retooling
Bad to worse: Graves, Wilson done for year
Rangers recall left-hander Mounce
NL: Ortiz's 19th paces Braves
AL: Chicago strikes first vs. Twins
PREP SPORTS
Coaches tab Colerain as tops in D-I
Highlands maintains top ranking
Ex-Hamilton coach to be dismissed by board
Prep sports results
Prep schedules
GOLF
Kroger Classic called a success
ON THE AIR
Sports on TV, radio
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