PRO FOOTBALL REPORT : WEEKDAY UPDATE : RAMS : Ellard Probably Out of 49er Game

Receiver Henry Ellard, who reaggravated his right hamstring in Sunday’s game and missed the second half, probably will also miss Sunday’s game in San Francisco and possibly more, according to Ram Coach John Robinson.

Ellard, who had hamstring problems throughout the exhibition season, said after the game he felt something pop while making his last catch Sunday and that he wouldn’t be sure how serious the injury is until later this week.

Although the Rams have a slight interest in defensive end Dexter Manley, who was reinstated by the NFL Monday then released by the Washington Redskins, the Phoenix Cardinals are expected to claim him today and acquire his rights.

The Cardinals (2-8) have the worst record among the handful of teams believed to be most interested in Manley, and have first dibs in the waiver process.

Robinson said Darryl Henley will replace cornerback Bobby Humphery in the starting lineup.

Robinson had praise for second-year defensive lineman Bill Hawkins, who was deactivated two weeks ago and was a major disappointment until Sunday. “We sat him down last week, tried to kind of refocus what we’re doing and what he’s doing,” Robinson said, “and I thought he had a good game, thought he made progress.”

Robinson’s list of young players who will play more now that the Rams are 3-7 does not include running back Marcus Dupree. “I feel it’s important for the future of this organization that he be brought along at a pace that allows him to progress,” Robinson said. “Playing him too much might be counterproductive to that.”