PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS

Joe Kelly, former Raider linebacker, knows something about rivalries and trash talk. The Falcons versus the Rams is not a rivalry, Kelly said.

“If you lose 31-13, it’s not a rivalry,” Kelly said. “Denver and the Raiders, now that’s a rivalry. We’re talking wars, winning on the final kick year in and year out.

“Just exchanging words through the media isn’t a rivalry. It’s a joke to Atlanta--we lose, 31-13. We have to do something on the field before it’s a rivalry.”

What about Falcon wide receiver Rison and all the things he’s been saying about the Rams?

“He may look at the Rams like everyone else looks at the Rams,” Kelly said. “He’s not going against Deion Sanders. I’m not knocking anyone on this team, but the so-called superstars of the game, that’s not what he’s up against, so maybe he does that to fire himself up.”

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Starting right guard Leo Goeas was unable to practice because of a sore ankle, and his replacement, Chuck Belin, had to take a break for a second consecutive day because of an asthma attack. That put Brad Fichtel, who is on the practice squad and ineligible to play Sunday, in the starting lineup for the bulk of practice.

Knox said he’s counting on Goeas to return, and Belin will be available for duty. Rookie tackle Wayne Gandy worked at right guard with the scout team.

Linebacker Roman Phifer, who has a hyper-extended elbow, was unable to practice because the team hasn’t outfitted him in a splint that would allow him to work.

Defensive tackle Sean Gilbert stopped practicing after bruising his shoulder.