Warner's wonder - Why me, why now?

ST. LOUIS -- First, it was the thumb. Then the throat, then the back, then the ribs.

St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner is feeling good considering his various minor setbacks, but he can't help wondering whether he's butting against forces from the dark side.

"I keep thinking somebody doesn't want me to play in these games," Warner said. "But my God's bigger, I guess."

Warner, a deeply religious man, had similar remarks right after the Rams advanced to the NFC championship game with a 45-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers last Sunday, making a cryptic remark about "someone working on the other side."

"We believe the Lord brought us here for a purpose," he added. "Nothing that the other side tries to do can stop that."

Even though Warner had X-rays on his ribs on Monday, coach Mike Martz pronounced Warner fit on Wednesday as the Rams returned to practice in preparation for Sunday's NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

"There's nothing wrong with Kurt's ribs," said Martz, somewhat irritably.

Injury update

Offensive tackle Ryan Tucker, who missed Sunday's gamedue to a sprained ankle, said he'd return to the lineup for the NFC championship game.

The team's major injury concern is tackle Jeff Zgonina, who is questionable with a hyperextended elbow. But Martz expects Zgonina, an effective run stuffer, to play.

Martz expects backup cornerback Jerametrius Butler (ankle) to be active for the game. Backup safety Rich Coady (ankle) is questionable.

Backup linebacker Dustin Cohen (knee) could return on special teams after sitting for nine games.

Wide receiver Torry Holt (wrist) and cornerback Willie Gary (ankle) were probable after Wednesday's practice.