PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Gary Doesn’t Want to Talk About It

Tailback Cleveland Gary, at least temporarily dropped from the starting lineup in favor of Robert Delpino for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants because of his persistent fumbling problems, politely declined to comment Wednesday, saying he doesn’t want to speak with the media until he has something positive to say.

But Gary’s teammates say that he has privately complained of a cracked rib on his right side, which he injured during the exhibition season and hasn’t been able to heal. Gary has also been sidelined by a recurring hamstring problem.

According to one player, Gary would have been able to wrap the ball against his body and avoid his disastrous fumble last Sunday in the Rams’ 24-14 loss to the Phoenix Cardinals at Anaheim Stadium if not for the cracked rib.

New Giant Coach Ray Handley said his team’s 16-14 victory over San Francisco Monday night, snapping the 49ers’ 19-game road winning streak, was a major boost. “It’s nice to have that one behind us,” Handley said. “I guess it would be to beat anybody, (but) it’s especially nice to beat San Francisco in the opener.” . . . The Rams signed fullback Ernie Thompson, their 12th-round draft choice this season, to their practice squad. . . . Receiver Lonzel Hill, released recently by the New Orleans Saints, worked out for Ram coaches, but Coach John Robinson said he doesn’t believe the team would make any roster moves this week. . . . Robinson said cornerback Darryl Henley, not Vernon Turner, will take most of the punt returns Sunday at the Meadowlands. Turner fumbled twice last week. . . . Tailback Marcus Dupree, on the injured-reserve list with a sore left foot, had his injury examined Tuesday by a specialist, who said that if it doesn’t heal soon, Dupree will have to play through the pain, then undergo surgery after the season. Dupree is suffering financially from his inactivity because his $150,000 salary does not kick in until he is on the active roster. Until then, he is receiving a pro-rated salary of $50,000.