ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Rams named receivers Brandon Gibson and Dominique Curry inactive Sunday, leaving only four on their 45-man game-day roster.
Think they might want to run the ball with Steven Jackson?
Gibson was a potential starter following Donnie Avery's season-ending knee injury, but the Rams' move to acquire Mark Clayton from Baltimore altered plans. Gibson missed much of camp with a hamstring injury. He was not on the injury report this week, suggesting he has ground to make up before becoming part of the rotation -- particularly if the Rams are going to keep only four receivers active.
Curry's special-teams ability had given him a shot at the active roster, but the Rams probably weren't going to consider him much as a receiver at this stage.
Also inactive for the Rams: cornerback Jerome Murphy, tight end Fendi Onobun, offensive lineman John Greco, defensive end Eugene Sims and defensive tackle Jermelle Cudjo. Thaddeus Lewis is the third quarterback. If a third quarterback plays, the first two quarterbacks cannot re-enter the game.
Onobun's chances for the game-day roster appeared strong early in camp, but fellow rookie Mike Hoomanawanui impressed during exhibition games.
Murphy will probably factor as a nickel corner this season, but Kevin Dockery or Justin King will fill that role Sunday. Dockery appears most likely to serve as the nickel, but I'm not certain at this point. Veteran safety James Butler, listed as probable with a knee injury, is active.