The Rams' kicker ignored the tendinitis in his left knee and booted several 50-yarders indoors Thursday, pronouncing himself fine for Sunday's NFC championship game.

	Wilkins

Wilkins' plant leg was shaky last week, and he abandoned form on a 42-yard field goal attempt that was wobbly and wide right. On Thursday, the form was back.

"It hurts, and it's going to hurt, and I guess I've accepted it, whereas in the past we've tried to keep it from hurting," Wilkins said. "It went pretty good, so I'm playing."

Coach Dick Vermeil didn't think Wilkins' range would be affected.

"His leg bothered him, but he kicked well anyway," Vermeil said. "Just like most players at most positions that play a little banged up and bruised, he's determined to kick."

Wilkins knows it may be a busy day, since the Rams are the No. 1 offense in the NFL. They scored seven touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings to reach this game against Tampa Bay.

"Unless that thing ruptures, I think I'll be able to kick as many extra points as we need," he said. "If we score 10, that'd be great."

The news means Nick Lowery, 43, probably stays retired. Lowery, who hasn't kicked since 1996, tried out Tuesday and was Vermeil's choice in case Wilkins couldn't go.

Wilkins said Monday was the only day he was worried. But he didn't mind the Rams bringing in Lowery and two other kickers.

"If it was in the middle of the year, you never want anybody coming in to take your job," Wilkins said. "I kind of wanted them to have somebody in mind, yet still give the opportunity to give it a go if I could."

The news also was good for free safety Keith Lyle, who'll likely return after missing eight games with a bruised nerve in his left shoulder-neck area.

Lyle, a Pro Bowl second alternate despite missing nearly half the season, was upgraded from questionable to probable on Thursday. Vermeil said Lyle likely will play in nickel coverage.

"I think the doctor has more or less left it up to Keith," Vermeil said. "I don't think he's 100 percent, but I think he can play."

Lyle has been lobbying Vermeil and the media the last few weeks. He's been practicing with the team for more than a month, and passed a final test by taking on a blocking sled several times.

"It's a big relief," Lyle said. "I want to go out and help, and I think I can. This is the biggest game of my career and the biggest game for this organization in 10 years."

Lyle said he has no concerns heading into the game. Not even the thought of 248-pound Bucs running back Mike Alstott heading his way.