by BY JIM THOMAS jthomas@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8197 , St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"I have asked our players to embrace their roles not only in the game of Football but also as players and partners in the business of the NFL," Smith said in a statement. "They risk everything to play this game. They understand that risk and they live with that risk and its consequences for the rest of their life. We also know that there is an ugly part of history and we will not risk going backwards, giving up, giving in, or lying down to it.

"Our men are strong and proud sons, fathers, spouses, and I am proud when they stand up, understand this is their profession and speak with candor and blunt honesty about how they feel."

So far, that hasn't happened in St. Louis, however. In the locker room after Sunday's 38-10 loss to Minnesota, more than one Rams player privately voiced opposition to the potential inclusion of Limbaugh in the ownership group. To them it was not a matter of Limbaugh's politics, but a matter of what's regarded as some of his racially charged statements.

But none was willing to go on the record Sunday.

"We're just trying to figure out how to win a game," one player said.

Smith sent an e-mail to the NFLPA executive committee members and player reps on the topic.

Limbaugh would be a limited partner - not the controlling partner or lead investor - in an ownership group that includes St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts. Because of that limited partner status, one league source believed that NFL club owners wouldn't object to Limbaugh's inclusion in a St. Louis ownership group.

Gibson out for year

Defensive tackle Gary Gibson, a surprise starter in 2009 for the Rams , suffered a season-ending broken foot and ankle injury early in the third quarter against Minnesota.

Nickel back Justin King suffered a sprained knee later in the half, and his status is uncertain.

Fletcher starts

Although they are still rotating at cornerback, rookie Bradley Fletcher started ahead of Jonathan Wade against the Vikings on Sunday and appeared to play the majority of snaps overall. It was the first NFL start for Fletcher, a third-round pick out of Iowa last April.

A first for No. 55

Rookie linebacker James Laurinaitis came up with his first career interception Sunday, early in the second quarter against Brett Favre.

"It's pretty cool," Laurinaitis said. "I'd be lying if I didn't say it was. To be honest with you, I'd put that ball on the ground to get a win. I'd give up any individual achievements to get a win for our team."

Ram-blings

The Rams' 207 yards of offense in the first half marked their highest total in any half this season. ... Jared Allen's 52-yard fumble return for a touchdown was the fourth TD scored by the opponent's defense or special teams unit in the past two games against the Rams .

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