PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Horan May Be New Punter

Punter Mike Horan, who played at Sunny Hills High, Fullerton College and Cal State Long Beach, might have the chance to play in front of relatives for the Rams.

Coach Chuck Knox refused Tuesday to disclose the identity of the punter the Rams were bringing in today for a tryout, but Horan said, “I’m flying in tonight.”

The Rams do not have a punter on their roster, and while they have indicated that last year’s punter, Don Bracken, remains under consideration, it’s known they have asked Horan to be ready for work at Rams Park today.

In addition to Horan’s arrival, former Seattle defensive lineman Tony Woods was on his way to talk contract and possibly sign with the Rams today. Woods, who was released Monday, was a first-round pick for Knox in 1987 while Knox was head coach of the Seahawks.

Horan kicked seven years for the Broncos before being released on Monday. He averaged 43.7 yards on 13 punts in exhibition play this year, and was beaten out by Tom Rouen, who averaged 45.7.

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The Rams, while indicating they could not wait for Anthony Thompson’s broken hand to heal, announced they have placed the running back on injured reserve. As a result, Thompson will not be allowed to play for the Rams this season.

Injuries to David Lang (knee) and Jerome Bettis (ankle) played a major role in the Rams’ inability to show patience with Thompson. Lang remains sidelined, and Bettis has had no contact work for three weeks, although he is expected to play Sunday against the Packers.

The team claimed Indianapolis running back Ken Clark off waivers to fill the void left by Thompson.

The Rams also picked up Green Bay linebacker Jeff Brady off waivers, but failed to win a claim on Charger defensive tackle George Thornton. Although the New York Giants and Rams finished with identical 6-10 records in 1992, the Giants were awarded Thornton because they lost to the Rams last season, 38-17.

Clark, 27, has rushed for 510 yards in 161 carries and has caught 43 passes for 314 yards, but he did not score a touchdown in his three years with the Colts.

The Rams recalled wide receivers Richard Buchanan and Tony Hargain and inside linebacker Tom Homco off waivers. They also added four players to their practice squad: center Brad Fichtel, guard Chuck Belin, quarterback Jamie Martin and cornerback Courtney Griffin.

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The Rams have listed Bettis (ankle), linebacker Shane Conlan (groin), wide receiver Henry Ellard (ankle) and tackle Jackie Slater (toe) as probable for Sunday’s game in Milwaukee.

Wide receiver Todd Kinchen (knee) and linebacker Leon White (hamstring) are questionable for the game. Lang (knee) has been ruled out.