Dupree Debut: 4 Carries, 22 Yards

Marcus Dupree, after waiting five seasons, losing 50 pounds and listening to analogies to “The Natural,” finally got to play in an NFL game Sunday, carrying the ball four times for 22 yards at the end of the Rams’ 31-7 loss to the New York Giants.

Dupree, who hadn’t played football since blowing out his left knee in 1985 while playing in the USFL, said he felt fine Sunday.

“It’s like riding a bicycle. Once you’re back on, it doesn’t change,” Dupree said. “The licks felt the same, and you’re still going to feel sore after the game.

“I was relaxed, comfortable, had big guys in front of me, so all I had to do was run. It’s hard to express, but it just felt good. Just getting the chance to dress up and be on the sidelines was exciting.”