Linebacker Williams determined to play

BOURBONNAIS - Jamar Williams returned to practice Thursday and will play in the preseason opener Saturday night against the Bills.

Williams, who missed the previous two days with a sprained shoulder, is locked in battle with Pisa Tinoisamoa and Nick Roach for the starting spot at strong-side linebacker. All three are listed on the depth chart as the starter, and Williams said he couldn't let a minor injury keep him from Saturday's game in Buffalo (6 p.m. FOX-TV; WBBM-Radio 780-AM).

"I can't let that happen, man, come on," said Williams, who starred on special teams last season but is trying to earn a more vital role on defense. "I can't let that keep me out."

The first preseason game might not mean much to entrenched starters, but it's crucial to Williams.

"This game probably is going to make the determination of who's going

to get that starting spot," he said. "So it's going to be great competition."

Tinoisamoa is considered the favorite to win the job based on his six years as a starter with the Rams, starting with his rookie season of 2003, when Lovie Smith was the defensive coordinator in St. Louis.

Competing for a job, and being listed as one of three starters at the same position is new to him, but he doesn't mind the competition.

"I've never heard of it before, so I'm surprised from that aspect," Tinoisamoa said. "But I prefer to let the coaches decide. It's turned out to be a very good competition, (and) it's only for the better of the team."

Bumps and bruises: Tight end Greg Olsen (hip bruise) did not practice but could be back for Saturday's game. Free safety Danieal Manning (hamstring) also sat out, and he will not play, which leaves gaps at three positions. Manning is the starter at free safety, he moves to nickel back in passing situations, and he's also the No. 1 kickoff returner.

"Danieal does a lot for us," coach Lovie Smith said. "I really like what he has been able to do at the nickel position, and he gives us range at free safety that we really like. We need to get him back on the football field. He's a little banged up right now, but I'm expecting a big year for him." While Manning has been out, Corey Graham has filled in at nickel, and strong safety Kevin Payne has moved to free safety with sixth-round rookie Al Afalava stepping in at strong safety.

Manning led the NFL last season with a 29.7-yard average on kickoff returns. Running back Garrett Wolfe and rookie wide receiver Johnny Knox will fill in on kickoff returns.

Making the calls: Lovie Smith will be calling defensive plays for the first time since 2003, his last year as the Rams' defensive coordinator but preseason openers usually offer only basic defensive packages.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "We're going to be as basic as possible and let our guys play. Hopefully they don't do a lot of thinking, they just react."

While Bob Babich has retained his title as defensive coordinator and added "linebackers coach" to it, Smith has assumed the play-calling duties.

Injury update: Cornerback Charles Tillman continues to improve following mid-June back surgery. Wednesday he jogged and backpedaled on an adjacent field while his teammates practiced. Prior to that he had been restricted to walking laps around the field.

Defensive tackle Tommie Harris participated in Wednesday's laid-back practice in helmets, shorts and shells (light shoulder pads) but isn't expected to play Saturday. He has had some hamstring soreness and is still not 100 percent after arthroscopic knee surgery in March. Long-snapper Patrick Mannelly (hip) is also not expected to play.