Rookie Null makes 1st start at QB for Rams with Boller active but sidelined by sore thigh

Rookie Null makes 1st start at QB for Rams

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Rookie Keith Null made his first NFL start Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, taking the first snap for the St. Louis Rams for banged-up Kyle Boller.

The only lineup change before kickoff was Adam Goldberg starting at right tackle with Jason Smith sidelined for a third straight game with a concussion. But Boller had been limited this week in practice with a sore thigh, and it was Null who took the field for the Rams’ first series.

Null was a sixth-round draft pick out of West Texas A&M. Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said earlier this week he had no plans to get Null on the field this season. Mike Reilly was designated as the third quarterback with Boller active.

All the attention had been on Vince Young because of an achy right knee that forced him to leave practice early Thursday. He started and completed his first pass for 31 yards.