ST. LOUIS -- Danario Alexander signed with the Rams in late August as something of a long-term project, given he was still recovering from a fourth operation on his left knee.
Injuries at wide receiver have forced the Rams to alter that timetable, and on Sunday, the former University of Missouri star might make his NFL debut against the San Diego Chargers.
Alexander was promoted to the roster from the practice squad earlier this week. He was confident after practice Wednesday that the knee was strong enough and he was ready to play special teams if that's where the Rams (2-3) needed him.
"I anticipate playing," Alexander said. "I'm practicing like I will be. We'll see Sunday."
Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo was noncommittal about Alexander's chances of playing this weekend. But he said the 6-5, 220-pounder deserved this shot.
"He knew he had a little bit of a road to overcome," Spagnuolo said. "It was a health issue, but he's kind of worked right in there. I know the guys like him, he's worked hard."
Teammates razzed Alexander for several minutes, producing embarrassed smiles from the wide receiver, as media crowded around his locker stall around the corner from where players on the active roster dress.
"I'm very excited," Alexander said. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity that they gave me."
Alexander led the nation with 1,781 receiving yards and was on the All-Big 12 Conference team during his senior season at Missouri. He wasn't drafted after being injured before the Senior Bowl, but he received a four-year contract that included a modest bonus.
After signing with St. Louis on Aug. 22, Alexander lifted weights four times per week and had treatment five times weekly to build strength in a leg that had atrophied since surgery. He has been impressive lately with scout-team work on the practice squad, earning the promotion at a position where the Rams had an unsung cast even before Mark Clayton was placed on injured reserve earlier this week with a torn patella tendon in his right knee.
"He's made some spectacular catches," Rams rookie quarterback Sam Bradford said. "He's a big body, he's got a lot of speed. So I'm looking forward to getting him in the rotation and developing a chemistry with him."
Donnie Avery, St. Louis' leading receiver last season, went on IR during the preseason with a knee injury.
Notes: TE Darcy Johnson (concussion) also has been placed on IR. Another player with concussion symptoms, guard Jacob Bell, was limited in practice. But Spagnuolo was optimistic Bell would play. ... LB-FB Brit Miller also was elevated to the roster from the practice squad this week and was used on both offense and defense Wednesday. Miller primarily will be needed on special teams.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
