For all the excitement that Rams rookie receiver Danario Alexander creates with his big play ability down the field and the affection he receives as a local favorite from his days at Mizzou, nobody takes more enjoyment out of his success than Alexander himself.

That’s because, after the many trials and tribulations brought on through his numerous knee operations, Alexander is happy just to be playing football again at all.

“It’s very gratifying,” Alexander said. “It’s a big boost to me because I have been through a lot like I said. For me to be able to compete at this level and do it well, it’s truly a blessing.”

In a breakout offensive performance last week by the Rams against Denver in which they posted 431 yards of offense and put up 36 points, there was no mistaking that quarterback Sam Bradford had developed a strong rapport with his many receiving options.

But for all that the likes of Brandon Gibson, Danny Amendola and Laurent Robinson bring to the table, there’s no question that Alexander provides a couple of elements that nobody else has.

“Well obviously when he’s in the lineup he adds a little bit more size to our usual receiving corps and he has some speed and the ability to get down the field,” Bradford said.

Alexander has played in just three games this season because of those knee ailments but in two of those contests, Alexander has showed that he has all of the tools to be the type of deep threat the offense could use to loosen up defenses and, eventually, open up things in the run game for back Steven Jackson.

“I try to do what I can do to the best of my abilities,” Alexander said. “I am a bigger guy who can stretch the field and stuff like that so I try to bring that to the offense and the coaches do a good job of putting me in the right places at the right times.”

Because Alexander is only a few weeks removed from his fifth knee operation (though this one was more minor than the previous quartet), the Rams are taking it easy in terms of his repetitions both in practice and during games.

Against the Broncos, Alexander played about 20 plays, which isn’t a huge workload but seemed to be about right according to coach Steve Spagnuolo.

“I think it was 20 plays, which is just about what we thought,” Spagnuolo said. “He probably wanted to play more.  I’m sure he wanted to play more, but we’re going to be careful. I’m not sure.  We’ll see.  We’re going to try to get him more involved.”

Getting Alexander more involved doesn’t necessarily equate to taking more snaps so much as it might mean making an even more concerted effort to get him the ball when he is on the field.

Alexander has had particular success running deep routes as well as getting the ball in catch and run situations.

After catching four passes for 95 yards against the Broncos, Alexander said he felt fine on Monday and has practiced with no issues on Wednesday and Thursday.

“I feel great,” Alexander said. “I feel a whole lot better than after the San Diego game, I guess because I got the operation done. I feel great out here.”

Alexander says that the recent surgery was one that he would have had to have done at some point anyway and now that it’s been taken care of, he believes he’s as healthy as he’s been in a long time.

“After last surgery, it wasn’t really a big procedure so I knew I would be back within a few weeks without missing a beat,” Alexander said. “I’m just excited about getting back out on the field.”

SCHOUMAN’S SHOT: With tight end Michael Hoomanawanui out for the next four to six weeks with an ankle sprain, there is an available spot to potentially get some game action, starting this week.

That spot could go to fellow tight end Derek Schouman, whom the Rams signed to their active roster a couple of weeks ago. Schouman was inactive his first two weeks in St. Louis but has been getting work this week with the offense and could get a shot against the Cardinals.

“Frank (Leonard)’s got him up to speed,” offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said. “If he had to go in there, I think he could go in there and execute. Yeah, he’s ready to go.”

ROOKIE SCHOOL: Rams rookies like Bradford, tackle Rodger Saffold and cornerback Jerome Murphy have played in so many games this year it might not seem like they are even rookies anymore.

In fact, to the outside observer, those rookies seem to be well received within the locker room already.

But Saffold says not to let perception fool you. What happens behind the scenes is a constant reminder that the youngsters still have a long way to go to be free of rookie duties.

“We are all still rookies in here,” Saffold said. “Don’t be fooled. They might be all chummy with us with you guys watching us but that’s not how it is.”

The duties for the rookies include the basics such as taking position group teammates out to dinner or following orders such as Bradford growing out his beard as part of “No Shave November.”

With the holidays coming up soon, Saffold is bracing for the next step in the rookie process: purchasing expensive presents for his teammates. 

“I’ll have to get them some gifts so I know it’s going to be some pricey, high end stuff, maybe some iPads or something,” Saffold said.

INJURY REPORT:  The Rams again went through practice without incident and find themselves about as healthy as possible.

Still no decision has been made on the future of Hoomanawanui, who is out four to six weeks with a high ankle sprain. It’s possible, considering that there are only five games left that Hoomanawanui could end up on injured reserve.

As for the rest of the team, there were two additions to the injury report, both classified as limited participation.

Fullback Mike Karney has a groin injury that he is dealing with and cornerback Jerome Murphy tweaked his hamstring in special teams practice.

Only defensive tackle Darell Scott was left on the limited list from yesterday as he continues to battle soreness in his foot.