Despite Problems, Gandy Set to Start for Rams : Pro football: First-round draft pick has started slowly, but injury to Slater forces team to pick up the pace.

Rookie offensive tackle Wayne Gandy, the Rams’ first-round draft pick with a knack for making big-time gaffes, appears to be getting a promotion. And not everyone is comfortable with it.

Gandy is expected to get his first start Sunday against the New York Giants in place of an injured Jackie Slater.

“Gandy’s not quite ready to go yet,” said Ram quarterback Chris Miller, who started Sunday’s 24-17 loss at Green Bay after sitting out two games because of a shoulder injury.

“I know that was a pretty tough test against (Green Bay’s) Reggie White. Wayne can get it done. The only way you’ll find that out is in a game situation because it’s hard to put him in a game late when Jackie’s banged up and Reggie’s lubed and lathered and going full bore.”

Said Gandy: “That’s Chris’ opinion. He has a job to do and I have a job they pay me to do.”

Miller’s cause for concern stemmed from the final play of the Green Bay game, when Gandy replaced Slater, who suffered a slight tear in his triceps muscle. White, football’s all-time sack leader, beat Gandy badly and sacked Miller, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Green Bay’s Sean Jones.

Earlier, Gandy, playing left tackle, had cost the Rams a possible touchdown with a holding penalty on a Jerome Bettis sweep play on second and goal from the Green Bay two.

Ram Coach Chuck Knox said it’s a “big possibility” that Gandy will start Sunday against the New York Giants. But can Gandy handle the responsibilities of a starter?

“It’s not a matter of whether he can,” Knox said, “but whether he has to.”

The Rams selected Gandy out of Auburn with the 16th overall draft pick. He failed to beat out veteran backup Clarence Jones in training camp.

In an exhibition against New England, Gandy was called for four penalties for 20 yards when he lined up off the line of scrimmage. Against San Francisco, he failed to report as a tight end to officials, costing the Rams a touchdown pass to Troy Drayton.

“It’s been a pretty tough season,” Gandy said. “I came here and a lot of people had big dreams about me, and I still have the same ability, talent and desire to reach those goals.

“I’ve always known how to deal with adversity coming through the bad times (NCAA probation) at Auburn. And people write that Gandy shouldn’t play, or Gandy is a bust. But I’m still going to show up as long as somebody still thinks I have the talent.”

The Rams have slowly brought Gandy along, using him as a backup to Jones and Slater.

“I just want to contribute,” Gandy said. “They shouldn’t be paying me all this money just to let me stand over there and drink water during a game and watch everybody else play. Now I’m getting my opportunity.”