Rams rookie tight end Michael Hoomanawanui, who's battling a high right ankle sprain, returned to practice Thursday and is one step closer to playing in Sunday's NFC West title-deciding showdown against the Seattle Seahawks, according to the *St. Louis Post-Dispatch*.
"Mike did a good job today," Rams offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said after Thursday's workout. "He got a limited amount of reps, and the stuff that we did with him he seemed to be able to function. Obviously, Coach (Steve Spagnuolo) will make the final decision on what happens with Mike, but as far as today goes, it's promising."
Hoomanawanui, who hasn't practiced since injuring the ankle during a Nov. 28 game against the Denver Broncos, has played well alongside rookie quarterback Sam Bradford when the tight end is healthy.
The 6-foot-4, 264-pound Hoomanawanui also missed four games with a high left ankle sprain suffered in the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals.
Hoomanawanui has 13 receptions for 146 yards and three touchdowns on the season.
