PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : McMurtry Returns, but Stokes Doesn’t

Wide receiver Greg McMurtry returned to training camp, but defensive end Fred Stokes didn’t.

A day after walking out because he thought the Rams were releasing him, McMurtry rejoined the team for Saturday’s afternoon workouts.

The Rams also learned that Stokes, who strained a ligament in his left knee Friday, will be out for three weeks but will not need surgery.

McMurtry, one of 11 receivers battling to make the team, turned in his playbook Friday and flew home to Michigan. He thought his chances of making the team were slim.

But the Rams retained the contract rights of the free agent.

Coach Chuck Knox said McMurtry looked good in practice.

“He made a couple of good catches,” Knox said, “so maybe going and coming back helped him.”

Stokes said he will wear a brace and expects to begin rehabilitation on an exercise bike and in the swimming pool as early as Monday. He is confident he will be ready for the Rams’ Sept. 4 season-opener against the Arizona Cardinals.

“I’m just thankful that it (three weeks) isn’t any longer and it won’t require surgery,” he said. “I’ve never had any problems with my knees before.”

Stokes, who had 9 1/2 sacks last season, injured his knee during one-on-one drills against rookie offensive lineman Ronald Edwards. Stokes said he thought he tore a ligament when he first went down.

“I saw it on film and it looked a lot worse than it was,” Stokes said. “I was trying to make an inside move, and I tripped over (Edwards’) foot and my foot planted with my weight on it and I fell on the side of my knee.”

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Players missing practice besides Stokes were defensive tackle Marc Boutte (right knee), cornerback Steve Israel (right thigh), linebacker Joe Kelly (right hamstring), defensive end Kevin Patrick (left shoulder) and wide receiver Jermaine Ross (right hamstring).