Bulger began feeling poorly during meetings yesterday afternoon, said Rams coach Scott Linehan, who added that the decision on a starter is likely to be made late tomorrow.

Regular backup Gus Frerotte will be the emergency quarterback for the Rams. Frerotte partially tore the labrum in his right (throwing) shoulder in Sunday's win over Atlanta. Frerotte can hand off, but is unable to throw, Linehan said.

"Right now, I'm just getting ready to play," Berlin said. "If my number is called, I'll be ready to play. Football is football. I've played it my whole life. If it does come, it's a great opportunity."

The Rams have added 35-year-old veteran Todd Bouman to the roster. The 11-year veteran out of St. Cloud State practiced today. He has played in 42 games with Minnesota, Green Bay, New Orleans and Jacksonsville.

Bulger, who was not made available to the media after practice today, was injured in the first quarter of a 24-19 loss to the Seahawks on Nov. 25. He passed a medical exam Tuesday — after failing one last week — and was cleared to practice. He worked out Wednesday and yesterday and took some limited snaps today.

"He was able to pass his baseline test and that put him into position to practice," Linehan said. "He had, what I thought, were two really good practices Wednesday and Thursday. He didn't feel real good in the afternoon meetings. Because of that, it's put some question in my mind as to whether or not he should be cleared to play."

The Rams' medical personnel, coaches, trainers and Bulger will discuss the situation before a decision is made.

"We're not going to put anybody who is not 100 percent in harm's way," Linehan said. "After I gather the information, I'll make a decision if he'll be our starting quarterback or if he'll be up at all."

It's been an injury-plagued season for Bulger, who has also missed time because of broken ribs and a sprained thumb. Bulger has completed 61 percent of his passes with six touchdowns and nine interceptions in what has been a disappointing season after he signed a six-year, $65 million contract extension on the first day of training camp.

That deal made him the highest-paid player in franchise history. The contract included $27 million in guaranteed money and put him in a group of six quarterbacks making $10 million annually.

The 26-year-old Berlin was activated from the practice squad Nov. 27.

"I told Brock to get ready after the meeting Thursday afternoon," Linehan said.