NFL Briefs

Rams QB Bulger cleared to play

St. Louis – Marc Bulger received medical clearance to play Tuesday as the St. Louis Rams’ quarterback carousel turned again.

Bulger, who has been at quarterback for all five Rams victories this season, has been out since Nov. 18 with a sprained ligament between his index and third finger. He’s made progress the last several days and will replace Jamie Martin, who was ineffective in Sunday’s 49-10 loss at Kansas City, for this week’s game against the Cardinals.

Bulger has a 106.0 passer rating, which would lead the NFL by a wide margin if he had enough attempts to qualify. He has 12 touchdown passes and four interceptions and played well in the first game against the Cardinals.

In a 27-14 victory Nov. 3 in Phoenix, Bulger was 20-for-29 for 245 yards with two touchdown passes and two interceptions.

Martin lost a fumble that was returned for a touchdown and threw two interceptions in his third career start. Coach Mike Martz indicated some of Martin’s problems were due to inactivity.

Vikings sign Ned, release DT Killings

Minneapolis – The Minnesota Vikings signed free-agent running back Larry Ned to the practice squad and released defensive tackle Cedric Killings on Tuesday.

Ned was a standout at San Diego State. The Vikings have a banged-up backfield, and Ned could be activated for Sunday’s game against New Orleans.

The Vikings also released center Kenny Sandlin and receiver LaVell Boyd from the practice squad.

Bears could lose two more starters

Lake Forest, Ill. – His team beaten up, Chicago Bears coach Dick Jauron faces the prospect of losing two more starters, including quarterback Jim Miller.

Jauron performed a weekly ritual following another loss as he went over the growing injury report Tuesday.

Miller was scheduled for an MRI on his left knee Tuesday; right guard Chris Villarrial was to be checked out for back spasms; and running back Anthony Thomas (finger) and tight end Dustin Lyman (knee), lost earlier, officially were put on injured reserve.