PRO FOOTBALL REPORT : WEEKDAY UPDATE : RAMS : They Pull Out All the Stops in Practice

Coach John Robinson said he thinks the Rams benefited from last week’s emphasis on a more intense practice style. He kept up the pace during this week’s workouts.

“When you finish plays in the passing game, you put the receivers in jeopardy (from hits by defensive backs),” Robinson said. “And we’ve just said (forget) it, we’re going to put the receivers in jeopardy on the practice field. And I think we’re improving in that area.”

Pittsburgh Coach Chuck Noll had a typically blunt comment this week about his response to rookie Barry Foster’s misplay of a kickoff last Sunday against San Francisco that resulted in a 49er touchdown: “I think he’s gotten the message.”

Injury report: For the Rams, offensive tackle Robert Cox (knee injury) is listed as out of Monday night’s game against the Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium; both guard Tom Newberry (calf injury) and wide receiver Aaron Cox (hamstring injury) are probable.

For the Steelers, defensive end Aaron Jones (broken foot) is out; guard John Reinstra (knee injury) and running back Tim Worley (ankle injury) are questionable.