PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Anderson, Rubley Are Still Strangers

Wide receiver Flipper Anderson missed T.J. Rubley’s first day on the job as the Rams’ starting quarterback because of bruised ribs.

“I’ll bet he hasn’t thrown me a handful of balls this year,” Anderson said. “I haven’t played with him. When he comes in they bring in the second team.

“He’s been here for two years and I’ve never practiced with the guy. Wait, there was that day earlier this year when Jim (Everett) was sick. Those were probably the only balls he’s thrown to me.”

Anderson was hit in the back by a helmet last Sunday against the Detroit Lions and later took another shot in the same spot. He did not play in the second half and said Wednesday that he is unable to run without pain.

He is listed as probable for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.

“It seemed weird out there today seeing someone else in the huddle other than Jim,” Anderson said. “I’ve been here six years and he’s been the only quarterback we’ve had. It’s an awkward situation.

“There’s not much you can say to him. You just try to keep things normal because there’s nothing you can really say to him.”

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Punter Paul McJulien missed practice after waking up in the middle of the night with a swollen right foot.

“I ran Tuesday and had no problems,” he said. “All of a sudden it just puffed up. I had X-rays, but they were negative. “I’m sure I’ll be fine and practice (today).”

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Coach Chuck Knox said there is a possibility the team will keep Mike Pagel active as its No. 3 quarterback, allowing him to hold for kicker Tony Zendejas.

Rubley and wide receiver Todd Kinchen also practiced with Zendejas Wednesday.

Knox said Robert Jenkins will start in place of Jackie Slater at right offensive tackle. Slater will miss the game because of a torn chest muscle.

Defensive end Gerald Robinson missed practice because of a sore neck, but defensive end Robert Young, who has been sidelined for several weeks because of a sore knee, practiced without apparent difficulty.

Defensive tackle Frank Boudreaux, who was added to the roster last week, has been released and re-signed to the practice team.