Center Eric Heitmann said the run game does not change at all with Foster in the game.

"We've got our rules set on each play," Heitmann said. "We've got the linebackers and the defensive line, how we block them is not going to change from week to week. With DeShaun and Frank, both of them do an excellent job of reading our blocks and getting what they can out of what we do for them out front."

The 49ers activated practice-squad running back Thomas Clayton for last week's game. Although he suited up, Clayton did not get in the game.

PLAYER NOTES

--WR Isaac Bruce is coming on strong in the past four games, as he has overtaken running back Frank Gore for the team lead with 52 receptions on the season. Bruce ranks third all-time with 14,875 receiving yards, and fifth in lifetime receptions with 994.

--LB Parys Haralson leads the 49ers with seven sacks on the season. Haralson has started eight of the team's 14 games. He has 46 tackles and 28 quarterback pressures.

--LB Tully Banta-Cain has not made much of a contribution on defense, as the full-time starter from a year ago has just seven tackles on the season. But Banta-Cain is tied for the team lead with 15 tackles on special teams.

--RB Michael Robinson was named as second alternate for special teams on the NFC Pro Bowl team. Robinson has 15 special-teams tackles and has provided 80 blocks in the return game, according to the team's statistics.

--K Joe Nedney has accounted for 107 points this season, ranking tied for 13th in the league. Nedney has made 26 of 29 field goal attempts (.897).

GAME PLAN: With Frank Gore out of the lineup last week, offensive coordinator Mike Martz turned to the passing game. Although DeShaun Foster gained 76 yards on 18 carries, Martz abandoned the run and went with a steady diet of Shaun Hill's passing. Interim coach Mike Singletary wants the 49ers to employ a physical style of football, and that begins up front with the running game, but the 49ers might want to throw it around on Sunday against the Rams. Martz is likely to want to get receiver Isaac Bruce involved. Both Martz and Bruce helped the Rams win a Super Bowl after the 1999 season. Martz was offensive coordinator and Bruce caught the game-winning touchdown pass in that victory over the Titans. Bruce is likely to get a warm reception from his old home fans. Bruce needs just 60 receiving yards to move into second place on the all-time list. Hill is efficient at getting the ball out quickly to receivers underneath. If the Rams place too much emphasis on stopping Bruce, Hill can also incorporate slot receiver Jason Hill and split end Bryant Johnson into the offense. Defensively, the 49ers have simplified their scheme. They should be able to use different pressures to put heat on Rams quarterback Marc Bulger, who has been sacked 32 times this season.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: 49ers QB Shaun Hill vs. Rams pass defense - Hill is making his seventh start of the season and will face a Rams defense that ranks 24th against the pass, allowing 223.6 yards per game.

49ers RB DeShaun Foster vs. Rams LB Pisa Tinoisamoa: Foster is likely to get his second start in place of injured Frank Gore. Tinoisamoa leads the Rams' defense with 123 tackles.

49ers WR Isaac Bruce vs. Rams CB Ron Bartell: Bruce has really turned it on in recent weeks with Hill at quarterback. Bartell leads the Rams with 16 passes defensed this season.

49ers LT Joe Staley vs. Rams DE Chris Long: Staley had his best game of the season in pass protection last week against the Dolphins' Joey Porter. Long, a high draft pick, has had a solid but not spectacular rookie season.

49ers CB Nate Clements vs. Rams WR Torry Holt: Clements has been up-and-down this season. Holt is still the Rams' top threat with 54 receptions for 651 yards and three touchdowns.

49ers FS Mark Roman vs. Rams QB Marc Bulger: Roman has recorded just one interception in nearly three full seasons. Bulger's passer rating is a lowly 69.8. He has nine TD passes and 12 interceptions.

INJURY IMPACT:

-- RB Frank Gore (ankle) did not practice again Friday and is listed as questionable. Coach Mike Singletary said Gore would be a game-time decision. "Just warmed up a little more, stretched it a little bit more," Singletary said of Gore's Friday work. "Hoping for the best. He's had a lot of rest this week and last week. Hopefully we can get some response there."

--PR/KR Allen Rossum is expected to return to action Sunday after missing three games with an ankle sprain. Rossum is a big key for the 49ers in the field-position battle. He averages 27.3 yards on kickoff returns with a touchdown. He has also averaged 16.0 yards on nine punt returns.

--S Mark Roman sat out practice Thursday after colliding with receiver Josh Morgan in practice Wednesday. The 49ers expect Roman to be available to start Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams.

-- T Adam Snyder (ankle) returned to limited practice Friday, although he is still listed as questionable. "He's got to continue to ice it, but he'll be ready to go," coach Mike Singletary said. "He's up. Got to go."

--S Michael Lewis (abdomen) missed practice time early in the week, but is expected to play in Sunday's game.