PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Stewart Back for Buccaneers

Strong safety Michael Stewart, who missed the Rams’ last five games because of a broken left forearm, will be activated for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Coach Chuck Knox said Thursday.

Stewart, wearing a soft pad on his arm for protection, has practiced this week and will be added to the roster when the Rams decide how to make room for him.

“He just needed to go out there, get hit and banged around and feel confident about his arm,” Knox said of Stewart, who will play in the nickel defense and as a backup to Pat Terrell and Anthony Newman.

Knox was pleased with the practice performance of tailback Cleveland Gary, who has been hobbled the last two weeks because of a sore right ankle.

“He looks and says he’s 100%,” Knox said. “You know, this is the first time in three weeks that he’s practiced (on both) Wednesday and Thursday (the two main practice days).”

No. 1 pick Sean Gilbert’s sprained right ankle also appeared to be healing, Knox said.

But middle linebacker Larry Kelm and backup cornerback Sammy Lilly, both suffering from strained left knees, missed practiced again, although Knox said Kelm might play Sunday.

If he can’t, he will be replaced by Fred Strickland.