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

This could be the week. Signed as a street free agent one week into the regular season, Martin was on the pregame inactive list in Games 2-3 (Washington and Green Bay) as he learned the St. Louis offense. He made his Rams debut with spot duty in Game 4 (vs. San Francisco), but then came the hamstring injury in practice. Martin said he tested the injury last week, "and I pulled it within 10 minutes of practice."

But this week, he was listed as "full participation" Wednesday, and wasn't even listed on the injury report following Thursday's practice. "I'm definitely excited," Martin said. "Hopefully, the worst is behind me. I really hope I can get out there and play."

At 6-4, 220, Martin would give quarterback Marc Bulger a big target in the passing game. Unless the Rams suit up five wide receivers, something they haven't done all season, the coaching staff must decide between Martin, newly acquired Brandon Gibson, or Tim Carter as their fourth wideout Sunday against Detroit.

ANOTHER BUTLER

The Rams are going through right cornerbacks at a rapid pace. Incumbent Tye Hill was traded Sept. 1 to Atlanta. Jonathan Wade started the first four games there, and then gave way to Bradley Fletcher in Games 5-7. Now, with Fletcher out for the season with a knee injury, it looks like Quincy Butler will start against the Lions.

Butler, no relation to starting safety James Butler, made his first NFL start last week against Indianapolis, but only because the Rams came out in a six-defensive back package.

"Quincy's done a nice job for us," defensive coordinator Ken Flajole said. "Now, he hasn't gotten all the reps that the other guys have because we had some people in front of him. We've had some injuries there, so he's getting a chance to step up. He's done a nice job this week and hopefully he'll continue and play like a seasoned vet on Sunday."

INJURY UPDATE

With the end of the practice week near, it's looking like defensive end James Hall and cornerback Justin King will play Sunday. Both players missed the Indianapolis game with groin injuries. Hall and King have been listed as "limited participation" on the Rams' injury report this week, but have gotten a fair amount of work.

Defensive tackle Clifton Ryan (illness) was sent home Thursday because of a fever and cold symptoms and did not practice. Reserve defensive lineman C.J. Ah You, who has a high ankle sprain, is looking doubtful for Sunday. He didn't practice Thursday and has yet to practice this week.

RAM-BLINGS

Jim Haslett's unbeaten Florida Tuskers (3-0) can clinch a playoff berth in the new United Football League with a victory tonight against the Las Vegas Locomotives. The Tuskers' roster features eight former Rams : CB Fakhir Brown, S Jerome Carter, LB Quinton Culberson, CB Ricky Manning Jr., LB Tim McGarigle, OT Rob Petitti, CB Darius Vinnett and DT Claude Wroten.

- Fletcher underwent knee surgery Tuesday to repair lateral meniscus cartilage damage. He will undergo a second surgery in about a month to repair anterior cruciate ligament damage to the knee.

- Sunday's Rams -Lions game at Ford Field did not sell out, and will not be televised in the Detroit area. It's the second blackout this season in Detroit.

- Offensive lineman John Greco was back at practice Thursday after missing Wednesday's practice because of a family matter.

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