PRO FOOTBALL REPORT / WEEKDAY UPDATE : RAMS : Robinson Names Gary as Starter

The inevitable is finally official. The heir has gotten the job. Cleveland Gary, finally sound again after back problems, Thursday was named the starting tailback for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Anaheim Stadium.

“He’s back to where he was before he went down,” Coach John Robinson said. “The reason we haven’t played him is because if you miss a month, it takes time to get back to 100%.”

Robinson said that although all three tailbacks--early-season starter Curt Warner and Gaston Green are the others--will play Sunday, it’s likely that Gary will carry the load.

It appears that the Rams will put newly signed running back Marcus Dupree on the injured-reserve list as early as today, giving Dupree four weeks to get used to competitive football after a five-year layoff, and freeing a roster spot for the activation of cornerback Jerry Gray, who will be leaving injured reserve today.

“I think the month (off) would be just about right for (Dupree),” Robinson said. “I think he needs more time.”

Injury report: Ram receiver Aaron Cox, nursing a twitch in his right hamstring, did not practice Thursday and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.

Bengal deep threat Eddie Brown probably will not suit up Sunday because of a knee injury suffered in Monday night’s game.