Marc Bulger is out as the St. Louis Rams starting quarterback after throwing only two touchdown passes in three games and will be replaced by 38-year-old Trent Green for Sunday's game against Buffalo.

The benching of the Rams' highest-paid player, announced by coach Scott Linehan in a terse, two-paragraph release yesterday, signals just how desperate times have become for the sagging franchise. Linehan is 11-24 in his third season, including 0-3 this year with none of the games competitive.

Last week, Linehan was told by new owner Chip Rosenbloom that improvements need to be made or that changes would be forthcoming. This is Linehan's first head coaching job at any level, earned off success as an offensive coordinator with the Dolphins and Vikings.

The Rams have lost 16 of their last 19 games while getting outscored 116-29.

ELSEWHERE

Chiefs: Kansas City coach Herm Edwards strongly hinted yesterday that veteran Damon Huard would probably get the nod Sunday against Denver and that second-year quarterback Tyler Thigpen would return to the bench after one start. "I'll decide on that tomorrow. Sleep on it a little bit more," Edwards said. "I'm leaning that way. I've got to address the team, exactly what we're going to do."

Suspension: New Orleans guard Jamar Nesbit has been suspended without pay for the next four games for violating the NFL's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances, team officials said yesterday. Nesbit's suspension begins immediately.

Texans: The Houston Texans plan to play their home opener at hurricane damaged Reliant Stadium on Oct. 5. "I can't say with absolute certainty," Texans owner Bob McNair told The Associated Press. "But let's put it this way, I'd be shocked if we did not play there."

Obituary: Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Wally Hilgenberg died after a battle with Lou Gehrig's disease yesterday at his Lakeville, Minn., home. He was 66. Hilgenberg spent 16 seasons in the NFL, including 12 with the Vikings from 1968 to 1979.

Steelers: Pittsburgh will be without injured Pro Bowl running back Willie Parker (sprained left knee) and nose tackle Casey Hampton (strained groin) for Monday night's home game against Baltimore.