PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Rubley Isn’t Even No. 2 on Knox List

Coach Chuck Knox confirmed Sunday that the Rams have a quarterback controversy.

No, not Jim Everett and T.J. Rubley battling for the top spot. Rubley and Mike Pagel competing to be No. 2.

“Jim Everett is the No. 1 quarterback,” Knox said. “We haven’t even decided who No. 2 is.”

Hasn’t Rubley solidified his position with the team, and merited at least backup consideration?

“I just said we have not made that decision,” Knox said.

The Rams’ final decision might be complicated by Pagel’s role as holder for kicker Tony Zendejas. The Rams can dress 45 players each game and carry an additional quarterback, as long as he doesn’t play before the first two quarterbacks on the roster.

So, Rubley might work as the No. 2 passer in practice, but Pagel might in effect be the backup.

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Running back David Lang, who underwent knee surgery on July 25 and who was expected to miss up to three months, might soon be ready to resume practicing.

Running back Jerome Bettis is expected to resume practicing this week after missing the past three games with an ankle injury.

Knox said that linebacker Shane Conlan’s groin injury is not serious. A hamstring injury to linebacker Leon White, however, might affect his availability for the season opener against Green Bay.