--C Nick Leckey will start at center with Brett Romberg still practicing on a limited basis because of a hand injury.

--LT Orlando Pace has taken all the snaps with the first unit and will start in the opener against the Eagles. Pace suffered a strain of the biceps tendon in the second preseason game. --LB Gary Stills was on the practice field Wednesday for the first time after signing with the team following his release by the Ravens. Stills is expected to be on each of the main special teams units Sunday against Philadelphia.

--WR Donnie Avery has not practiced this week because of a knee injury suffered in the final preseason game against Kansas City. It appears doubtful he will play this week against the Eagles.

--CB Fakhir Brown appears close to being able to play Sunday against Philadelphia. If he does, it would likely be in nickel situations.

GAME PLAN: It seems fairly simple. To keep the Eagles from unleashing their blitzes, the Rams will have to successfully pass on first down and be able to run the ball effectively. The latter would seem to be the best approach, which would also keep the Eagles running back Brian Westbrook off the field.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Rams RB Steven Jackson vs. Eagles rushing defense -- Jackson didn't play in the preseason. The Eagles allowed 95.8 yards rushing per game in 2007.

Rams special teams vs. Eagles rookie returner DeSean Jackson: The Rams coverage units have struggled in recent seasons.

INJURY IMPACT: CB Fakhir Brown, who did not play in any preseason games and injured his shoulder in the first practice of training camp, was said to have fully participated in practice Wednesday. The same was true for FS Oshiomogho Atogwe, who also did not play in any preseason games and injured his hamstring early in camp.

--WR Drew Bennett and WR/KR Dante Hall weren't listed on the injury report.

--WR Donnie Avery (knee) did not practice but did running on the side.