Posted at 8:26 a.m., Wednesday, October 3, 2007
NFL: Frerotte will replace ailing Bulger at QB for Rams
Associated Press
ST. LOUIS — St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger, who has been playing with two broken ribs, will be replaced by backup Gus Frerotte for Sunday's home game against Arizona."Bulger is hurt, and Frerotte is the quarterback until Bulger's ribs heal," Rams spokesman Rick Smith said.
Coach Scott Linehan told both quarterbacks Tuesday.
The 36-year-old Frerotte started 15 games in 2005 for Miami, where Linehan was the offensive coordinator at the time. Bulger will be Frerotte's backup against the Cardinals (2-2) on Sunday.
"If he has to, he will play," Smith said.
It's unclear how long it will take Bulger to heal after injuring the ribs in the season-opening loss to Carolina.
Bulger, who signed a six-year, $65 million contract extension in training camp, has been playing behind a patchwork offensive line decimated by injuries. Left tackle Orlando Pace and guard Mark Setterstrom are out all season with injuries, and guard Richie Incognito has yet to play because of a high ankle sprain.
A two-time Pro Bowl player, Bulger has been ineffective most of the season, part of the reason the Rams are 0-4. In a 35-7 loss Sunday at Dallas, Bulger was 11-of-24 for 114 yards and an interception. St. Louis' lone score came on a punt return. In fact, the Rams haven't scored an offensive touchdown since Week 2.
The change at quarterback came after Linehan had said Sunday and Monday that Bulger gave the Rams the best chance to win.
