PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Delpino’s Knee Not Ready Yet

After giving it a workout Wednesday, running back Robert Delpino’s injured left knee was too sore to participate Thursday, which means he will not be activated for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Delpino will remain on the practice squad until he is ready to be activated. In his place, converted tailback David Lang has played fullback and broken off big catch-and-run plays in consecutive weeks.

Coach Chuck Knox suggested that Mike Piel will start at right defensive end, replacing Bill Hawkins, who tore ligaments in his knee last week and is out for the year.

Knox also said that Robert Young, the starting left end last season, and Jim Skow will probably play.

Here is a statistic that doesn’t bode well for the Rams: The Cowboys are one of the league’s best starting teams, outscoring opponents, 82-26, in the first quarter. The Rams have been outscored, 65-7, in first quarters this season.