PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Noise Could Be a Problem for Rubley

With an inexperienced quarterback in T.J. Rubley and a patchwork offensive line, Coach Chuck Knox is concerned about crowd noise when the Rams play the New Orleans Saints Sunday at the Superdome, considered one of the loudest domed stadiums in the NFL.

“The crowd noise is a big factor,” he said. “You have to do a couple of things. One is a silent count, and when you do that you’re going on the same key as the defensive line, the key on the ball. The other things teams are doing is (hand signals).”

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Starting safeties Michael Stewart (sprained ankle) and Anthony Newman (sore hamstring) practiced Wednesday and should be ready for Sunday’s game. . . . Safety Pat Terrell (shoulder) practiced and is listed as doubtful for the game. . . . Starting linebacker Shane Conlan (sprained knee ligament) missed practice and is doubtful. . . . Offensive tackle Jackie Slater (torn pectoral muscle) and guard Tom Newberry (sprained knee) are out. Knox said an MRI exam of Newberry’s knee revealed no structural damage.

Saints’ injuries: safety Sean Lumpkin (hamstring), defensive end Frank Warren (foot) and tackle Chris Port (hamstring) are out. Cornerback Reginald Jones (knee), tight end Frank Wainright (neck) and tight end Hoby Brenner (ankle) are questionable. Running back Derek Brown (ankle) and linebacker DeMond Winston (foot) are probable.