The worst fears of the St. Louis Rams were confirmed today when an MRI showed that wide receiver Donnie Avery suffered a torn ACL in his right knee, reports Howard Balzer of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat.

That means the Rams will be without their top receiver in a season in which they will, at some point, turn the offense over to No. 1 overall draft pick Sam Bradford.

Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo declined to name Bradford the starter for the beginning of the season. Bradford had a strong showing Thursday night at New England when Avery was injured late in the first half. Veteran A.J. Feeley was held out of the game with a right thumb injury.

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