PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Henley Might Play Sunday

Darryl Henley’s injured hip isn’t as bad as doctors originally thought, and the cornerback wouldn’t rule out returning to practice and playing Sunday against San Diego.

“I’m preparing as though I’m playing this week,” said Henley, who participated in a few drills Wednesday. “My target date to see if I can move around is Friday or Saturday.”

Three days ago, doctors told Henley he could be out four weeks with a torn hip flexor. Coach Chuck Knox said there is a chance Henley, listed as out for the game on the injury report, could play Sunday. If not, Robert Bailey would start.

Henley injured his hip late in the second quarter of the game last Sunday, and doctors originally thought he broke a bone in his hip and tore a muscle. But Henley said he pulled tendons in his hip and tore scar tissue from an injury four years ago.

“The doctors were looking at the preliminary results and saw a broken bone in my hip,” he said. “After they looked at it more, they saw it wasn’t swollen or any of the other things that come with a major hip injury.

“I couldn’t sit up on Monday, but Monday night I could. And by Tuesday, I was walking around and feeling a lot better.”

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The Rams worked out without pads Wednesday because of a growing injury list that has reached 20 players, nearly 40% of their 53-man roster.

Backup quarterback Chris Chandler (sprained left ankle) shared time as the No. 2 quarterback with Tommy Maddox in practice Wednesday. Chandler is listed as probable for Sunday and said his ankle is still bothering him.

Center Bern Brostek, out since Oct. 9 with a broken bone in his leg, returned to practice for the first time. Although hopeful he can play Sunday, Brostek doesn’t figure to be back until next week.

The Rams have been without three starting offensive linemen--Brostek, right guard Leo Goeas (abdominal strain) and right tackle Jackie Slater (torn triceps).

Slater has blocked on field goals and extra points the last three weeks, but hasn’t played on the offensive line since injuring his triceps in Week 6 at Green Bay. Slater is expected to play in his 256th NFL game Sunday, which would move him past Earl Morrall and into fourth on the league’s all-time participation chart.

“Jackie is still not 100%,” Knox said. “But he’s getting better. He’s very, very close.”

Knox said Goeas, out since the New Orleans game, practiced Wednesday and said he’s ready to play. Knox said Goeas will start.

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Rookie James Bostic, a backup tailback, underwent surgery Tuesday on his fractured wrist. The Rams placed Bostic, a third-round pick who has been inactive all season, on injured reserve last week. Tailback Johnny Bailey (abdominal strain) is questionable for the game.

San Diego quarterback Stan Humphries, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his non-throwing left elbow Monday, got limited work in practice Wednesday and should be ready to start against the Rams, Charger Coach Bobby Ross said. Charger center Courtney Hall (knee), guard Joe Cocozzo (foot) and tight end Al Pupunu (knee) are questionable.