PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Gilbert Sidelined by Sprained Ankle

No. 1 pick Sean Gilbert, who sprained his left ankle in Saturday’s scrimmage with the San Diego Chargers, missed practice and will be held out of the team’s exhibition season opener Thursday night in Seattle.

Gilbert apparently suffered the injury early in the scrimmage but remained in the lineup for a handful of plays before being removed.

Ram Coach Chuck Knox said Gilbert, the team’s starting right defensive tackle, should miss about a week. Second-year man David Rocker is expected to start in his place against the Seahawks.

Knox also said cornerback Todd Lyght and receiver Henry Ellard, both nursing hamstring injuries, will definitely miss the game.

Several players who have missed extended period of times returned to practice and could be ready to play by Thursday night.

Cornerback Darryl Henley returned to full-speed action after missing several days because of a hamstring problem and should start.

Linebacker Frank Stams, who has missed every practice since injuring a leg muscle the first day of advance camp, was back in pads but did not participate in every drill.

Running back Marcus Dupree, out for about a week with a toe infection, also returned to action, and Knox said he thought Dupree should be ready to play against Seattle.

Defensive tackle Mike Piel, out for a few days with a sore knee, and rookie offensive lineman Shawn Harper, out for two weeks with an injured knee, also returned to practice.