PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Thompson Expects to Play Sunday

Running back Anthony Thompson, picked up off of waivers two weeks ago, says he is eager for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets because he has been told he will get a chance to run the ball.

Thompson, released by the Phoenix Cardinals after two fairly productive seasons there, suited up but did not see play with the Ram offense last week.

“Yeah, I’m going to get some action,” Thompson said. “I haven’t played for two weeks now, so I’m looking forward to getting in there and getting all bruised up and ready to go.”

Coach Chuck Knox has said the Rams will rotate their running backs Sunday, possibly a series at a time.

“I just want to get a rhythm, get a good feel for the game and just really do what God gave me the talent to do,” Thompson said.

Thompson, a former Indiana star, finished second in the 1989 Heisman voting.

The Rams earlier this season gave Chief running back Troy Stradford a two-week look, then put him on the injured-reserve list and then cut him. Does Thompson think he has to produce immediately or be faced with another release?

“I don’t know,” he said. “I have to show myself. That’s what I’m concerned about. I can’t be worried about what they’re thinking or anything like that. I’ve just got to go out there and show myself, do what I can do.”

Anthony Newman will remain the team’s starting free safety, with Pat Terrell, who has recovered from a neck injury, coming in as the team’s third safety on passing downs. . . . Knox would say only that the Rams were “investigating” the situation involving four veteran players given temporary free agency this week.