Lomax Says Ankle Will Be Ready; He’ll Lead Cardinals Against Rams

Quarterback Neil Lomax expressed confidence Tuesday that he will be ready for the St. Louis Cardinals’ NFL season-opener Sunday at home against the Rams.

“It’s fine,” Lomax, 27, said after reporting for practice at Busch Stadium still hobbling on the right ankle he hurt last week in St. Louis’ exhibition game. “I’ll be ready to go, no question about that.”

Lomax’s optimism left Cardinal Coach Gene Stallings with mixed feelings.

“Anytime it’s two ankles and a knee, I worry about it, I really do,” Stallings said of the injuries Lomax suffered Friday against the San Diego Chargers. “He’s a tough guy. From what little I’ve been around him, I’d say if it’s at all possible, he’ll play.”

As insurance, St. Louis offensive coordinator Jim Shofner said he planned to spend extra time working with newly signed quarterback Cliff Stoudt.

“I think we almost have to start with the game plan, which we’ll have pretty much, as opposed to starting with the book and going through it,” Shofner said. “At least he’s got some plays. We can catch up with the total picture as time goes on.”

Stallings also said that he has not lost faith in No. 2 draft choice John Lee of UCLA, despite Lee’s four misses on five field-goal tries the past two weeks and despite his earlier criticism of Lee.

“I think John Lee’s a kicker. It’s just my nature--I want him to perform, whether or not he’s a rookie or not,” Stallings said. “But I’ve not lost any confidence in him. What he has to worry about’s when I ignore him. As long as I’m fussing at him, he has no problem.”