Danario

Alexander

Giants CB Aaron Ross had no answer for Alexander, and it got so bad at one point that he was bench in favor of Michael Coe. Sam Bradford, recognizing the mismatch, lofted a 19-yard pass that Alexander reeled in at the highest point possible for a touchdown. Alexander saw seven targets on the night, but expectations need to be tempered. He’s an injury prone role player that can’t be relied upon on a weekly basis. Plus, it was clear Mike Sims-Walker was Bradford’s go-to target. There’s talent here, but don’t expect consistency.

Mid-week downgrades are never good news, but are especially bad for someone with Alexander’s injury history. Alexander should now be considered doubtful for Sunday, paving the way for Brandon Gibson to make his second straight start opposite Brandon Lloyd. Alexander should remain quarantined to the waiver wire.

Unless Alexander is able to return to full practice on Thursday, he’s looking likely to miss his third straight game. With Mark Clayton now off the PUP list, Alexander’s best fantasy days are behind him this season.

Alexander is finally over the hump after missing St. Louis’ past five games. It’s good news for an extremely thin receiver corps, but Alexander can’t be counted on in fantasy leagues until he reels off a few productive games in a row.

Alexander finally sent Brandon Gibson back to the bench, but could haul in only two of five targets as an inaccurate Kellen Clemens had a nightmare day under center. Appearing 100 percent healthy, Alexander has displayed impressive physicality since returning from a five-week absence in Week 13, but has just seven catches to show for it. As long as he doesn’t suffer another injury setback between now and next September, Alexander should open 2012 on the Rams’ 53-man roster.

He’ll need to pull through the week without setbacks in order to be cleared to play against the Seahawks. Alexander has not been active since Week 7.

Brandon Gibson will make his third consecutive start in Alexander’s place, but could split snaps with Mark Clayton, who is making his 2011 debut today. Kendricks will be spelled by a combination of Michael Hoomanawanui and Billy Bajema. Also inactive for the Rams are RB Jerious Norwood, RT Jason Smith, LB Josh Hull, LB Bryan Kehl and CB Rod Hood.

Brandon Gibson, who caught five passes on dump-off plays last week, will get another start. We’d take our chances with Austin Pettis if we were looking for a Rams wide receiver to play behind clear No. 1 option Brandon Lloyd.

DX’s second touchdown of the season came in garbage time, but was still an impressive grab, as the Rams’ 6'5 wideout went up between two Bengals’ defenders to pull down a jump-ball in the end zone. Alexander was targeted on only three of Kellen Clemens’ 36 pass attempts, however, and remains too risky to rely on for the final two weeks of the season in fantasy leagues.

One week after being a healthy scratch, Brandon Gibson should take Alexander’s place in the starting lineup opposite Brandon Lloyd. Greg Salas will man the slot. With QB Sam Bradford (ankle) inactive for the second straight week, Lloyd is the only Rams receiver worth starting with A.J. Feeley under center. Also inactive for the Rams are RT Jason Smith, DT Darell Scott, RB Jerious Norwood, CB Justin King and LB Brady Poppinga. Adam Goldberg will get the start at right tackle in Smith’s absence.