In a sense, given this team's propensity for it, the simple fact that the St. Louis Rams' most fragile player hasn't yet appeared on the injured reserve is a major victory. But even with the knee apparently healthy, the Danario Alexander injury train rolls on—this week, it looks like the former Mizzou star will practice on his gimpy hamstring, with the goal of making his return Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Alexander hasn't played since October 23, when he caught two passes for nine yards in Dallas.
For Alexander it will be a chance to end what was nearly a breakout season on a less frustrating note. Through the Rams' first five games Alexander was perhaps Sam Bradford's most dangerous target, catching three balls for 122 yards and a long touchdown in Week 2's Monday Night Football loss to the New York Giants and catching six for 91 yards in the Rams' frustratingly barren loss to the Green Bay Packers.
But his legs couldn't handle the beating, and ever since his quiet performance in Dallas he's been inactive. Short of Brandon Lloyd he remains the Rams' most dangerous wide receiver, but if they can't expect him to play on a regular basis he might not be long for the NFL, even with all that potential still apparent.