PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Cardinals Have Their Share of Injuries

Coach Chuck Knox described the Rams’ injury situation as the worst he has seen in his 31 years in the league. But the Phoenix Cardinals, the Rams’ opponent Sunday, have been hit hard, too.

Knee injuries have cost the Cardinals three of their top five draft picks this season--tailback Garrison Hearst, offensive tackle Ben Coleman and linebacker Brett Wallerstedt.

The Cardinals’ top defensive player, Eric Swann, is out for the year with a knee injury, and quarterback Steve Beuerlein missed two games with a knee injury before returning last week against the New York Giants.

Pro Bowl kick return specialist Johnny Bailey has a groin injury and is listed as doubtful, and if left guard Mark May is unable to play Sunday because of his back spasms, rookie Ernest Dye will start.

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In a move to bolster their secondary, the Rams signed free-agent cornerback Mitchell Price, a fourth-year player cut by the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 23. The Rams’ three top cornerbacks are out. Todd Lyght and Robert Bailey have knee injuries and Darryl Henley is on leave because of a drug investigation.