The Rams have all but ruled quarterback Marc Bulger out for Thursday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. That will mean that Bulger will have gone almost a complete month without playing in a "meaningful" game before he takes his first snap against the Seattle Seahawks on opening day. While this may concern some Rams fans I believe this is the right, and prudent, decision to make.
Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo said after practice on Monday that, “Right now we’re planning on him not going. He’d have to come in here tomorrow begging to play and say that it’s okay. But right now, my guess is that he would not go." He added that "If it changes 
within the next 48 hours, then we’ll adjust.” This isn't a tough call for Spagnuolo. Bulger still has not even taken a snap from center yet so why rush him at this point? To rush Bulger back to have him play a couple series in a meaningless game seems ridiculous.
The main argument for rushing Bulger back is that he needs to develop some sort of rhythm before the regular season by playing in some game action. Bulger addressed that saying that, " there is nothing we can do about it now. I’ve been staying up to it mentally. I’ve even been doing more at meetings....you want to get as many reps as you can on the field, but I think I will be ready. There wont be an excuse once the season starts if something happens. We had a long off-season so I feel like I am as far as I could be along right now.”
I think the last sentence is the important one for the Rams and Bulger. Everyone understands that this is the make or break season for Bulger. If he performs at the caliber that he once did then the Rams can build around Bulger heading into the next couple of seasons. If he doesn't then the Rams will have to go in a new direction. An injury and significant time missed this season means the Rams will move on without Bulger. Anything that were to happen for Bulger on Thursday means nothing. The regular season and what happens within it is all that matters. If Bulger believes he will be fine and ready. and the coaching staff is on board. then there should be no reason to bother with Bulger playing on Thursday. All sides know what is at stake.
One of the reasons the NFL is considering dropping some preseason games is for this exact scenario. All 32 teams send out a hodgepodge of players who the teams hope will make it through the game without injury. It is by far the least productive game for all involved of the preseason. Bulger and the Rams gain nothing by having Bulger play. The Rams are making the right move by not seeing number 10 on the field.
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