Chandler Says He’ll Start Against Rams on Sunday

Looking doubtful only a day earlier, Atlanta Falcon quarterback Chris Chandler said Thursday he will start Sunday against the St. Louis Rams.

Chandler was knocked out of a 13-6 loss to the New York Giants last weekend because of bruised left ribs.

Coach Dan Reeves said Wednesday it was doubtful Chandler would play at St. Louis. But the quarterback made a number of good passes Thursday.

“I feel ready to go, providing Dan feels the same way,” Chandler said. “A few more days of treatment and it’ll feel a little better on Sunday.”

Reeves was encouraged by Chandler’s improvement, but wouldn’t select him as the starter just yet. Danny Kanell would start if needed.

“Chris was surprising,” Reeves said. “We’ll wait and see if he has any soreness.”

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A motion to suppress statements made by the man who admitted killing former NFL player Rae Carruth’s pregnant girlfriend was denied at Charlotte, N.C.

Carruth’s lawyer, David Rudolf, then asked permission to admit Van Brett Watkins’ medical records, which Rudolf said detail jailhouse threats to kill law enforcement officers and Watkins’ use of an anti-psychotic drug.

Superior Court Judge Charles Lamm said he would decide that issue later. He is expected to rule on a number of motions during a two-day hearing that started Thursday.

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The Indianapolis Colts signed defensive end Lionel Barnes, claiming him off waivers from the Rams. To make room, the Colts released wide receiver Chad Plummer. . . . Kansas City released kicker Pete Stoyanovich and signed Todd Peterson. . . . Jacksonville put running back Stacey Mack on injured reserve after he broke a finger during practice and replaced him by signing tight end Ryan Neufeld off their practice squad.