Kanell Will Start Against Rams

With Chris Chandler nursing badly bruised ribs, backup quarterback Danny Kanell is virtually assured of starting for the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday against the St. Louis Rams.

Chandler left Sunday’s 13-6 loss to the New York Giants in the second quarter after suffering a rib injury. He was still hurting Wednesday and was listed as doubtful for Sunday.

Chandler’s practice time was limited to jogging and soft tosses while Kanell worked with the No. 1 offense and rookie quarterback Doug Johnson worked with the second team.

“As far as I’m concerned, I’m going to be ready to go,” Kanell said. “In my mind I’m starting.”

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Fred Williams, a standout defensive tackle at the University Arkansas who played 12 years with the Chicago Bears, has died in Heber Springs, Ark., from a stroke, according to his wife. He was 71. . . . San Francisco has ordered additional tests on tight end Greg Clark’s injured neck. Clark was downgraded from probable to questionable for the 49ers’ game against Green Bay.