PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Brostek Signs 4-Year Extension

Center Bern Brostek signed a four-year contract extension worth approximately $1.5 million Wednesday and returned to the starting lineup after missing the last six games because of a broken bone in his right leg.

Brostek said he wanted to strike a deal early with the Rams rather than test the free-agent market. Brostek, a fifth-year pro, would have been an unrestricted free agent and could have signed with any team.

“It’s a real good deal,” Brostek said of his new contract. “Plus, it’s nice to know where I will be the next four years.”

But will he be playing in Anaheim, St. Louis or Baltimore?

“Well, what city, I still don’t know,” he said.

Brostek’s return to the starting lineup should boost the Rams’ running game, which is in desperate need of help.

Tailback Jerome Bettis has gained only 80 yards in 35 carries in the last three games and hasn’t cracked 100 yards rushing in a game since Brostek was hurt.

Brostek’s return also means Tom Newberry, who has been starting at center, will return to his old position of left guard, moving second-year player Chuck Belin to the bench.

Besides re-signing Brostek, the Rams signed backup linebacker and special teams player Tom Homco to a three-year contract extension and promoted wide receiver Jermaine Ross from the practice squad to the active roster.

Signing Brostek leaves the Rams with 11 players who will become unrestricted at the end of the season, including four starters--cornerback Darryl Henley, wide receiver Flipper Anderson, linebacker Roman Phifer and Newberry--and backup quarterback Chris Chandler.

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Ram injury report: cornerback Wymon Henderson (groin) and offensive tackle Jackie Slater (elbow) are questionable. Tailback Johnny Bailey (abdomen strain), quarterback Chandler (ankle) and defensive tackle Jimmie Jones (ankle) are probable.