PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Anthony Thompson Is Signed

The Rams acquired running back Anthony Thompson, who finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting three years ago, behind Andre Ware, but was waived by the Phoenix Cardinals Tuesday.

To make room for Thompson (6-0, 210), the Rams put running back Troy Stradford, taken from the waiver wire last week, on the injured-reserve list because of a fractured toe.

Thompson, 25, was a second-round pick by the Cardinals in 1990, but in two seasons never came close to the 1,793 yards he gained his senior season at Indiana. Thompson was squeezed out in a numbers game behind Johnny Johnson, Ivory Lee Brown and others. In two years, Thompson gained a total of 766 yards in 232 carries and scored five touchdowns.

“He comes highly recommended by a lot of people, a lot of scouts,” Coach Chuck Knox said. “He’s had some big games for them, he’s rushed for over 100 yards. . . . He was very highly rated coming out of college.

“So we’ll bring him in, we’ll take a look at him. If he can do it, fine. If he can’t, we’ll continue to look to do anything we can to help our football team.”

Knox said Thompson, who is scheduled to practice today, will see some action Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. Thompson did not play last week for the Cardinals.

Thompson’s younger brother, Ernie, was on the Ram squad last season but was released during the exhibition season this year.

No. 1 pick Sean Gilbert was held out of contact during practice after injuring his left ankle last Sunday but is listed as probable for this Sunday’s game. Tight end Jim Price (shoulder) is questionable and free safety Pat Terrell (neck), who missed last week’s game, has been upgraded to probable.