PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : No. 1 Pick Gilbert Says Ankle Injury Is Better

With his injured ankle still causing problems, No. 1 draft choice Sean Gilbert sat out practice and remains questionable for the Rams’ exhibition against the Green Bay Packers Saturday night at Anaheim Stadium.

Gilbert, who suffered the ankle sprain during a scrimmage against the San Diego Chargers on Aug. 1, has sat out the Rams’ first two exhibitions.

“It’s getting better,” Gilbert said after a 10-minute post-practice workout with trainer Jim Anderson.

Ram Coach Chuck Knox said he had no worries that Gilbert’s injury might be more serious than originally thought.

“I don’t think so, not according to what our medical people have said,” Knox said. “It’s been (X-rayed) and everything else. It’s just something that takes a little time to heal.”

Last year’s No. 1 pick, Todd Lyght, returned to working out at nearly full speed. The Rams’ starting right cornerback had been sidelined since suffering a strained right hamstring July 25.

“He’s close,” Knox said of Lyght. “He wasn’t turning on the afterburners today out there, but I wouldn’t expect him to. He got back into practice, got a feel for it. As he goes along, he’ll have more confidence in that.”

The Rams reduced their roster to 79 by cutting kicker Jerry Kauric, who missed his only exhibition field-goal attempt Saturday night, a 46-yarder. . . . Strong safety Anthony Newman sat out practice because of a sore hamstring and knee, but Knox said Newman is expected to return to action in a few days. . . . The Rams have installed green canvas along the back fence of Rams Park, blocking the view of the practice fields from the bordering golf course.