PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Dupree on Injured Reserve

As expected, tailback Marcus Dupree was put on injured reserve because of a sore left toe, and veteran center Doug Smith, after clearing waivers, was reclaimed by the Rams.

Dupree will leave the tailback spot to a banged-up Cleveland Gary, who has sore ribs and a hamstring problem, and Robert Delpino, normally a fullback, for the regular season’s first month.

“Marcus’ foot is just not any good,” Coach John Robinson said. Because the Rams’ second and third games will be played on artificial turf (in New York and New Orleans), the Rams feared that Dupree might aggravate the injury. They hope he will be back by Game 5.

Dupree, who suffered the injury in practice a month ago, said he could have been ready to play for the Giant game on Sept. 8, but understood the move.

The Rams claimed kick returner and wide receiver Vernon Turner off waivers and put rookie cornerback Robert Bailey, who has a broken right wrist, on injured reserve.