Rams guard says he'll play this week

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Rams offensive guard Adam Timmerman, listed as questionable a few days ago due to bruised ribs, on Friday said he'll start this week against the San Francisco 49ers. Timmerman, held out of practice on Wednesday, was upgraded to probable, a positive sign for a beleaguered unit that allowed seven sacks and produced 111 total yards in a 15-0 loss to the Panthers last week. "I'll be fine," Timmerman said. "It's sore, but I've been able to do most of the practices." Timmerman has played in 181 consecutive games. His iron-man run is second-longest among active players behind Chiefs guard Will Shields, who has played in 218 straight. The offensive line has been banged up, with Orlando Pace and Andy McCollum out for the season. Right tackle Alex Barron is the only other opening-day starter still at his spot. Quarterback Marc Bulger has been sacked 11 times the last two weeks and 35 times overall. The pressure has taken the wind out of the Rams' deep passing game. "It definitely affects the rhythm of our passing game," Bulger said. "I've been fortunate that most of the hits are pretty direct and I'm not getting twisted under anyone. I'm holding up pretty good." Coach Scott Linehan also said there was a possibility that rookie Mark Setterstrom, a seventh-round pick this year, could get his first start at left guard. Setterstrom played two series last week in his NFL debut, subbing for Timmerman for one play after the veteran guard was injured. Setterstrom would start ahead of Adam Goldberg, who struggled at left tackle last week in place of injured Orlando Pace. Todd Steussie is being moved from guard to left tackle this week, and is likely to stay there the remainder of the season.