Rams’ Brock Will Miss Giant Game : Quarterback Undergoes Minor Surgery for Kidney Stones

The Rams received equal doses of good and bad news Monday, learning that running back Eric Dickerson’s right ankle was fine, but that quarterback Dieter Brock’s kidney stones were not, a condition that will cause Brock to miss Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.

Brock spent most of Monday undergoing treatment for removal of the stones. Arthroscopic surgery was attempted earlier in the day, but the stones were embedded in tissue and couldn’t be displaced.

“It’s a little bit like Humphrey the whale,” Coach John Robinson said. “They’re trying to get him to go out to sea. That’s terrible. I withdraw that statement.”

There was less levity as Brock’s options decreased. By midafternoon, the decision was made to perform minor surgery, which included an incision on the lower part of Brock’s abdomen. Dr. Garo Tertzakian, a urologist, performed the surgery at Chapman General Hospital in Orange.

According to a Ram spokesman, a jagged kidney stone was found impacted in swollen and inflamed tissue. The stone was considered a threat to the kidney, thus, its removal.

Brock will remain in the hospital for two or three days but is expected to return in time for the Rams’ game against the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 17. “Obviously the good news is that it’s not going to take him out for the year,” Robinson said.

In the meantime, Robinson said that Jeff Kemp, a starter most of last season, and Steve Dils will assume Brock’s duties, though, Robinson wasn’t sure which substitute would do what.

“Right now, we’ll take the day and form our plan and set sail,” he said. “This doesn’t change the direction we’re going. We’re confident either guy will play well.”

Kemp started 13 games last season, including two against the Giants. The first, a regular-season game, ended with a 33-12 victory. The second was a 16-13 loss in the first round of the playoffs.

Dils was acquired last season from the Minnesota Vikings.

“As far as Coach Robinson not saying who is going to be the starter, I’d like it to be me,” Kemp said. “I’d probably be surprised if it wasn’t me. Well, I might not be surprised in light of other things that have happened here.

“It’s (Robinson’s) team and his choice,” he said. “I’ll respect and abide by it, whatever he wants to do.”

Said Dils: “My first feeling is that it’s just too bad . . . that this would be the way to keep (Brock) out. For myself, I’m excited about it and hopefully I’ll get a chance.”

Of the competition with Kemp, Dils said: “I can understand how Jeff thinks he kind of deserves to start. I guess I don’t feel exactly the same way.”

Brock’s kidney stone condition comes at an especially unfortunate time, considering the apparent improvement in the Ram offensive attack. During the last six games, Brock had completed 64% of his passes--105 of 164--for 1,222 yards and 7 touchdowns, with 4 interceptions. His quarterback rating for the six weeks was 90.8, compared to a 48.8 rating the first three games of the season.

The Rams should find solace in Dickerson’s status. His right ankle should be sufficiently healed by Sunday to allow him to play.

Dickerson injured the ankle against the New Orleans Saints Sunday. It marked the second time this season that Dickerson has been slowed by a sprain. He hurt the same ankle in a game against the Seattle Seahawks Sept. 23.

“Apparently, he is not as concerned about it as I am,” Robinson said earlier Monday.

Later, as team trainers tested Dickerson’s ankle and found it with minimal swelling and full range of motion, Robinson’s mood changed.

“I would say he’s got a chance (to play against New York),” Robinson said. “But of course, we have to see him run on it. It doesn’t look real bad.”

Dickerson gained 108 yards against New Orleans and scored a touchdown. It was his first 100-yard performance since the Seattle game and followed a week’s worth of self-imposed media silence. On Monday, Dickerson again asked the Ram public relations department not to schedule interviews this week, although, he will appear today on “Good Morning America.”

Other Ram injuries are considered less serious. Nose tackle Shawn Miller is nursing a bruised knee and thigh, and safety Eric Harris is recovering from an injured back. Harris didn’t play Sunday, but is expected to return for the New York game.

A decision also is expected this week on the status of running back Mike Guman, who hurt his knee Sept. 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles. He is eligible for activation from the injured reserve list.