Marc Bulger News: Pro Sports Daily

Marc Bulger is present as Rams begin conditioning program

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March 16

St. Louis Globe-Democrat

"Last year, prior to the start of the team's first offseason conditioning program under coach Steve Spagnuolo, the Rams did not send letters to tackle Orlando Pace and wide receiver Torry Holt requesting their participation. Pace ended up being released March 10 and Holt three days later. So it was that the Rams began their conditioning program Monday, and quarterback Marc Bulger was present. Since the end of the regular season, and throughout the ensuing two-plus months, whenever Spagnuolo and general manager Billy Devaney have been asked about Bulger's status, they have continually stated that Bulger is under contract and on the roster. And that's the way it remains. Of course, most of ..."

Bulger at Rams Park for workouts

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March 16

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Quarterback Marc Bulger's future in St. Louis may be tenuous at best, but he remains under contract with the Rams. As such, he was among the Rams players on hand Monday for the start of the team's offseason conditioning program. The turnout Monday was good. Among the notable absentees was Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson, but he was at Rams Park all of last week. Center Jason Brown and offensive lineman Adam Goldberg are attending the NFL Players Association convention in Hawaii, so they also were absent. Safety Oshiomogho Atogwe is skipping all offseason activities under his current contract status — the low tender as a restricted free agent. 2 RAMS SIGN ELSEWHERE Linebacker Paris ..."

St. Louis could use QB as trade bait

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March 1

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"If you are the St. Louis Rams, why make a move with QB Marc Bulger now? He is under contract, and when the new league year opens this Friday, the Rams don't owe Bulger anything-no bonus money at all. He is still free labor for them until the actual 2010 season starts, where he is due $8.5 million. My point in simple here: the Rams can play a waiting game. Sure, this is not going to be in favor of Bulger or his agent, but as Howard Balzer pointed out in the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, head coach Steve Spagnuolo has said that a decision does not have to be made now. Think about it. The Rams-depending on who you listen to-will go after either Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford or one of two defensive ..."

Bulger's agents want decision on his status

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February 28

St. Louis Globe-Democrat

"With rumors flying regarding the future of Rams quarterback Marc Bulger, the situation remains fluid. One report on espn.com said Bulger could be released prior to next Friday (March 5), the start of the new league year, and listed several teams where Bulger might land, including the Jets and Lions. The latter is very unlikely considering the poor relationship that existed when Detroit offensive coordinator Scott Linehan was head coach of the Rams. Globe-Democrat.com has learned there are talks occurring between the Rams and Bulger's agents to decide his fate sooner rather than later. There is no urgency to make a move prior to March 5 because there are no salary-cap implications to having ..."

Rams say no decision has been made on Marc Bulger's status

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February 17

St. Louis Globe-Democrat

"The scouting combine begins next week in Indianapolis. The Rams' offseason conditioning program opens March 15. The NFL Draft is just 64 days away. Front and center in the team's decision-making will be the quarterback position. The Rams currently have three quarterbacks under contract: Marc Bulger, Keith Null and Mike Reilly. There has been speculation regarding Eagles quarterback Michael Vick. They also could select a quarterback in the draft. Bulger is scheduled to be paid $8.5 million in 2010, but absent a salary cap there is little financial urgency to move quickly. Trades can be made in the league beginning on March 5. However, when the offseason workouts begin, having some direction ..."

Rams examining QB options, but starter Bulger not definitely gone

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February 17

NFL.com

"Though there is no guarantee that Marc Bulger will be back with the St. Louis Rams next season, team officials are downplaying a report that the quarterback cleaning out his locker could signal his departure. Like most other players who cleaned out their stalls after the Rams' 1-15 season mercifully ended, Bulger left workout gear and other belongings, a team source said. St. Louis sports writer and radio host Howard Balzer reported Tuesday that he had been told Bulger doesn't expect to be a Ram in 2010. However, a source told NFL.com that Bulger wouldn't mind coming back, although he'd also welcome a fresh start should the Rams opt to release him. Bulger signed a six-year, $65 million ..."

St. Louis Rams are mulling options at quarterback

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February 6

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Visiting Florida for a meet-and-greet day during Super Bowl week, coach Steve Spagnuolo fielded several questions Friday by a small group of reporters about the Rams' quarterback situation. He provided few solid answers, other than to say he has a lot of respect for Marc Bulger, likes Michael Vick and realizes the Rams may have some quarterback options in the draft. Asked if Bulger fit in his plans, Spagnuolo replied, "In my mind, Marc always fits because I've got a lot of respect for him ... his intelligence, the way he plays, and his skills. Marc's a good man." As for Vick, "I've got a lot of respect for Michael as a player," Spagnuolo said. "Everything I've heard out of Philadelphia is ..."

Marc Bulger is considering retirement

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January 7

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

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"It all starts with the quarterback position, particularly quarterback Marc Bulger. When Bulger went down with a season-ending fractured shin bone in late November, it seemed likely that he had played his last game in St. Louis. But there's a chance that decision may not be in the hands of the Rams' front office and coaching staff. Multiple sources have told the Post-Dispatch that Bulger is considering retiring. It's not unusual for veteran players to have such feelings after a tough season, only to change their minds after a few weeks or months away. (See: Brett Favre.) And a league source told the Post-Dispatch that Bulger has spoken informally with a friend on at least one other NFL team ..."

Rams' QB situation is muddled

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January 4

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The worst season in franchise history is over, and the Rams' quarterback situation is as cloudy as it was six weeks ago when starter Marc Bulger's year ended with a leg injury. Neither veteran Kyle Boller nor rookie Keith Null did enough to assure themselves a significant role in 2010, and Bulger's return isn't guaranteed. Null made his fourth consecutive start in Sunday's 28-6 loss to visiting San Francisco. Boller entered when Null came up woozy after being sacked by ex-Missouri star Justin Smith early in the third quarter. "I just hit my head on the turf real hard," Null said. "I came off and my body didn't feel right and my head didn't feel right." Sacked five times, Null completed ..."

Bulger becomes 13th Rams player to go on IR

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December 28

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"It has been obvious for a couple of weeks that quarterback Marc Bulger was done for the season because of a fractured shin bone. The Rams made it official Saturday, placing him on the injured reserve list. Only recently has Bulger been able to walk without crutches, so there was no way he'd be ready to play in the final two games. He becomes the 13th Rams player to go on injured reserve this season. Cord Parks, an undrafted rookie from Northeastern, was promoted to Bulger's spot on the active roster from the practice squad. Parks came to the Rams as a cornerback, but was switched to wide receiver during the season. He will be listed on the 53-man roster as a wide receiver/defensive back."

Bulger becomes 13th Rams player to go on IR

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December 27

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"It has been obvious for a couple of weeks that quarterback Marc Bulger was done for the season because of a fractured shin bone. The Rams made it official Saturday, placing him on the injured reserve list. Only recently has Bulger been able to walk without crutches, so there was no way he'd be ready to play in the final two games. He becomes the 13th Rams player to go on injured reserve this season."

Rams facing big shortage

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November 28

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo cringed when considering the possibility that five of his 11 starters on offense could be watching from the sideline Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome. "Well, when you list it like that ... " Spagnuolo said before reverting quickly to the company line. "In this league, you've got to step in there and play," he said. "All teams have injuries. We just line up and play the game." Still, the Rams' odds of knocking off Seattle certainly would be enhanced if quarterback Marc Bulger (leg), guard Richie Incognito (foot), running back Steven Jackson (back spasms), fullback Mike Karney (neck) and tackle Jason Smith (concussion) were on the field for the noon kickoff. Bulger ..."

Bulger not ready to discuss future

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November 28

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

""Sure," Marc Bulger said, when asked if he'd like to be back with the Rams next season. But that's as far as he cared to discuss that topic Friday, in his first comments since suffering a fractured shin bone in his left leg against Arizona. "I don't even want to talk about that," Bulger said. "We're going to have plenty of time in the offseason to make those decisions around here. But we've got a quarter — or a third — of the season to go, and I don't want to be a distraction in any way that way." The original prognosis was that Bulger would be sidelined for three to six weeks with the injury, which will not require surgery. With only six games to play, including Sunday's contest with ..."

Bulger has fractured shin bone

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November 24

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Marc Bulger took one MRI too many Monday. An MRI for a groin-hamstring injury earlier in the day showed only a strain. Things didn't go nearly as well for MRI No. 2. That test revealed that Bulger has a tibial plateau fracture in his left leg. "It's like a hairline fracture of the upper part of the shin bone," coach Steve Spagnuolo said Monday evening. Spagnuolo said Bulger won't need surgery but will be out for three to six weeks. "It's just crutches," Spagnuolo said. "He'll have to stay on it for a while." There are only six games left in the 2009 season, but at this point Spagnuolo said Bulger would not be placed on the injured reserve list. But if Bulger doesn't play again this season, ..."

Key matchups: Bulger vs. Sharper

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November 15

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"An ageless wonder at 34, Saints FS Darren Sharper is tied for the NFL lead with seven interceptions this season. He has returned three for TDs and has 317 interception return yards. To put that in perspective, only one Rams player (Steven Jackson) has produced that many yards on OFFENSE. "Darren, he's an experienced guy that runs around and sometimes he's not where you think he's supposed to be," Rams QB Marc Bulger said. "He has that experience. And they do give him a little more slack back there." Normally, there are landmarks where safeties are supposed to be in certain coverages, such as the hashmarks or yard-line numbers on the field. But Sharper doesn't always follow form. He will ..."

Bulger affirmed as Rams' top QB

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October 13

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"There is no quarterback competition, much less a quarterback controversy in St. Louis. "Marc's the quarterback," Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said Monday. Kyle Boller had played most of the past three games after Bulger suffered a bruised rotator cuff in his right shoulder late in the first quarter against Green Bay on Sept. 27. Boller started against San Francisco and Minnesota but left the Vikings game early in the fourth quarter with what Spagnuolo termed a mild concussion. The Rams didn't plan to play Bulger against the Vikings, or he would've started. The idea was to give the shoulder one more Sunday off. Obviously it didn't work out that way, and now Spagnuolo thinks Bulger will be ..."

Vikings score 38-10 win over Rams

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October 12

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"The undefeated Minnesota Vikings refused to overlook the winless St. Louis Rams. "You can't take any team for granted," Vikings Pro Bowl defensive tackle Williams said days before the game. "We got to jump on 'em and don't give them hope," he said later. Williams did his part in a 38-10 victory over the Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. After winning the coin toss, the Vikings offense put together an 80-yard touchdown drive, and Williams pressured quarterback Kyle Boller into fumbling on the Rams opening drive. Vikings defensive end Jared Allen recovered and returned the ball 52 yards for a touchdown to give the Vikings a 14-0 lead. The Rams had some success moving the football on the Vikings ..."

Bulger plays well in a pinch

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October 12

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Rams fans are probably still scratching their heads wondering why injured quarterback Marc Bulger didn't start Sunday's 38-10 loss to the Vikings when he was able to post a perfect passer rating of 158.3 and a rare touchdown in the final 10 minutes. Rookie coach Steve Spagnuolo didn't make followers of the 0-5 Rams feel any better in describing why Kyle Boller got his second consecutive start. Bulger and his apparently banged-up passing shoulder stood on the sideline until Boller was knocked out of the game because of a hit to the head after throwing an interception in the end zone on fourth-and-6 from the Vikings 9-yard line with 14:56 left in the game. "We knew if we had to [play ..."

QB decision may be needed

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October 12

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Concerning the quarterbacks, it could be an interesting week at Rams Park. Between Marc Bulger and Kyle Boller, which - if either - will emerge as the healthiest? And which - if either - will be running the No. 1 unit when practice resumes Wednesday? The odds probably are with Bulger. Yet throughout the bulk of Sunday's 38-10 home loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Boller appeared to be pushing hard to hold on to the starting job he's had the past two weeks while Bulger recovers from an injured shoulder. That changed on the second play of the fourth quarter. Boller was clobbered by defensive end Ray Edwards just as he released a pass into the end zone. The ball was intercepted and Boller was ..."

49ers batter the Rams

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October 5

San Jose Mercury News

"When teammate Ray McDonald grabbed a fumble and ran it in for a touchdown, 49ers linebacker Manny Lawson said he was thrilled and energized. Oh, and a little jealous. "My celebration would have been better than his,'' Lawson said. Maybe next week. On Sunday, there were only so many celebrations to be crammed into a 35-0 victory over the St. Louis Rams. The 49ers hit for the touchdown cycle, reaching the end zone on offense, defense and special teams. It marked the first time the 49ers had pulled off that feat since doing it against the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 10, 1997. More important, the 49ers' victory capped a trifecta against NFC West teams, with the 49ers registering wins over the ..."

St. Louis Rams' Bulger has bruise; Robinson is done

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September 29

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"As he stepped to the podium for his regular Monday news conference, coach Steve Spagnuolo looked out the window at Rams Park and quipped: "The sun's out, that's a good sign, right? The sun came up. Everybody's OK." If only everybody were OK. The news could've been worse on quarterback Marc Bulger. Even so, he'll still probably miss a minimum of a week or two with what Spagnuolo called a bruised rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder. "It's not torn; it's a bruised rotator cuff," Spagnuolo said. Wide receiver Laurent Robinson wasn't so "lucky." Robinson, easily the Rams' top pass catcher through the preseason and early regular season, is almost certainly out for the season with a high ankle ..."

St. Louis Rams' Bulger has bruise; Robinson is done

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September 29

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"As he stepped to the podium for his regular Monday news conference, coach Steve Spagnuolo looked out the window at Rams Park and quipped: "The sun's out, that's a good sign, right? The sun came up. Everybody's OK." If only everybody were OK. The news could've been worse on quarterback Marc Bulger. Even so, he'll still probably miss a minimum of a week or two with what Spagnuolo called a bruised rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder. "It's not torn; it's a bruised rotator cuff," Spagnuolo said. Wide receiver Laurent Robinson wasn't so "lucky." Robinson, easily the Rams' top pass catcher through the preseason and early regular season, is almost certainly out for the season with a high ankle ..."

St. Louis Rams quarterback sees improvement in offensive line

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August 6

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"It's way too early to make an accurate evaluation, but a week into training camp, quarterback Marc Bulger likes what he has seen of the Rams' reconstructed offensive line. "They're definitely more physical," said Bulger, one of the NFL's most-sacked quarterbacks over the past few years. "I think they're taking a lot of pride in their pass-blocking. And if you watch our nine-on-seven drills and our live running, there's some holes there for Steven (Jackson) ... and Steven doesn't need much of a hole. "So it's going to create some matchups for Steven on not only linebackers, but if we can get him to the second level - on the safeties and the corners - we're going to be in really good shape." ..."