PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Newberry, Young Among Injured

The Rams, who have lost five games in a row, will play without starting guard Tom Newberry, starting defensive end Robert Young and nickel back Robert Bailey.

Bailey suffered an injured medial collateral ligament in his left knee and will sit out for four to six weeks.

Young was scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery Monday on his right knee, while Newberry is expected to sit out at least two weeks because of a sprained right knee.

Tackle Jackie Slater, who has sat out the last two games because of a torn pectoral muscle, will test his shoulder Wednesday.

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Coach Chuck Knox said it’s his “gut feeling” that he probably will stay with Jim Everett as the Rams’ starting quarterback for Sunday’s game with the Redskins.

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Knox said, “I can’t explain it,” when quizzed about the offense’s ineffectiveness after being given two weeks to preparation for the Falcons.

He reacted strongly to suggestions that he might lack the fire at age 61 to turn the Rams around.

“I knew this was a very, very difficult situation,” Knox said. “I accepted that challenge and the fire still burns in me. I’m working just as hard, probably harder trying to get this thing going.”