PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Young: Rookies Are Welcome Addition

Second-year defensive lineman Robert Young giggles at the idea of being an older veteran on the Rams’ refashioned defensive line, but clearly has enjoyed stepping into a lineup that now starts two rookie defensive tackles, Marc Boutte and Sean Gilbert.

“To be honest, those guys are just about the same age I am, give or take a couple months,” said Young, 23, about the 23-year-old Boutte and 22-year-old Gilbert. “I matured a lot last year, and they’re doing it this year. If they keep growing like that, and we grow together, hey, I think we’ll be a team to reckon with.”

Young, probably the only positive thing about last year’s journeyman-filled defensive line, was slated to be this year’s starting right end but missed the first four games this year with a shoulder injury and only now is getting into game shape.

He saw limited action last week and probably will play mostly as a tackle on passing downs this Sunday night against New Orleans.

When the 6-6 Young, 6-3 Boutte and 6-4 Gilbert line up together, quarterbacks have a difficult time getting the ball over them.

“Marc’s leading the league in batted balls (with six),” Young said. “It’s hard for a quarterback to throw over a wall.”

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Rams Coach Chuck Knox said Friday that wide receiver Jeff Chadwick (cracked bone in the back of his rib cage) is definitely out for Sunday’s game, but could be back in action as early as next week. Knox said that Chadwick would not be placed on the injured-reserve list. . . . Receiver Flipper Anderson missed his second consecutive practice with a tight hamstring Friday but should be ready to play Sunday, Knox said.