PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Knox Bemoans Injury Situation

Coach Chuck Knox said the Rams’ injury situation is the worst he has experienced in 31 years as a professional coach. “You can say that’s not an excuse, which it isn’t,” Knox said. “We’re going to be judged by our record and that’s fine. But that is reality.”

The Rams finished Sunday’s game against the 49ers with only two of the offensive linemen who started at the beginning of the season. They also played without their two starting cornerbacks, their No. 1 nickel back and their top outside pass rusher.

Guard Leo Goeas sprained his knee against the 49ers and was unable to run Monday.

Knox said the team will know more Wednesday about the status of defensive tackle Marc Boutte, who suffered a concussion.

With all the injuries, Knox was asked, should this team still be playing better? “If you have eight starters out and you’re going to play against the San Francisco 49ers, who are arguably the hottest team in the NFL and they have one player, a backup wide receiver, that’s not going to play, what would you think?” Knox said.

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Tackle Jackie Slater, who was in for eight plays before removing himself from the game, reported pain in his shoulder. “That muscle isn’t completely healed,” Knox said. “So he’ll be questionable this week.” Knox said the Rams might consider signing a tackle this week to protect themselves if Slater is unable to play. The team released tackle Robert Jenkins last week.