Backfield suddenly running on empty

FOXBOROUGH -- The Patriots might be running out of running backs.

The team practiced yesterday without Sammy Morris (knee) or LaMont Jordan (right calf). They were among seven Patriots who did not practice.

According to an NFL.com report, the Patriots could be without Morris for 2-3 weeks because of an injury suffered against Denver Monday night. The report said Jordan reaggravated the injury he suffered Oct. 4 against the San Francisco 49ers, and was not likely to play Sunday against the St. Louis Rams.

Calls to the agents for both players were not returned.

With Laurence Maroney out for the season with a shoulder injury, only Kevin Faulk, rookie BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and fullback Heath Evans are available options in the backfield, barring a roster move.

The Patriots likely want to run the ball against the Rams since St. Louis has the 30th-rated rush defense in the NFL, allowing 161.5 yards per game.

Potentially evening the odds a bit, Rams running back Steven Jackson missed practice for the second straight day with a strained thigh muscle.

In addition to Morris and Jordan, cornerback Lewis Sanders (hamstring), right tackle Nick Kaczur (right ankle), defensive lineman Jarvis Green (right ankle), linebacker Eric Alexander (hamstring), and rookie outside linebacker Shawn Crable (shin) did not practice. Rookie safety/wide receiver/special teamer Matthew Slater (ankle) had limited participation in practice.

Washington practices

There was some good news on the injury front for the Patriots, as wide receiver Kelley Washington, who has not played since Sept. 14 against the New York Jets, returned to practice.

Washington has missed the last four games and more than a month of practice with a right ankle injury. He was taken off the injury report Wednesday, when the Patriots had a walkthrough, which often includes injured players who could not participate in an actual practice.

"I'm just happy to be back out. I live to play this game and show a lot of emotion when I'm out there," said Washington. "When you're in the training room and not active, it's tough on you emotionally."

Washington was the fourth receiver in the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, but has made his most noticeable contributions on special teams.

Richardson a 'star'

It took a lot longer than he expected, but Mike Richardson made his debut Monday night.

The second-year cornerback, who was promoted from the practice squad Monday, missed last season after he broke his left thumb in the third exhibition game.

Richardson was on the field for 24 of 60 defensive snaps Monday night (including two offensive penalties against the Broncos), seeing most of his time at the slot corner position, which the Patriots call the "star."

Richardson said it felt good to finally play. "I've been anxious and waiting to get my shot," he said. "It finally paid off, all the hard work."

Richardson said his debut was something he could build on.

"It took a little getting used to, just adjusting to the speed of the game," he said. "I didn't think I was going to get to play as much on defense as I did."

No gimmes

After an 0-4 start, St. Louis has knocked off the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys in successive weeks. Jackson called the Cowboys the most talented team in the league. But the Rams running back bristled when asked if beating the Cowboys was a big confidence boost or a hurdle to clear, and sent an indirect warning to the Patriots. "Well, I want to get one thing straight, we have talent in this locker room, too. We just weren't clicking," said Jackson. "For anyone to look at it as a 'gimme game,' that's their problem and their fault. We're going to come out and execute and at the end of 60 minutes we'll see what the scoreboard says." . . . The Rams also were missing defensive lineman Adam Carriker, whom coach Jim Haslett called "iffy" for Sunday; cornerback Tye Hill (knee); wide receiver Drew Bennett (foot); and safety Todd Johnson (kidney) from practice.

Mike Reiss of the Globe staff contributed to this report.