Danario Alexander looks to the sky after his first NFL touchdown. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

You can’t help but feel happy for Danario Alexander. Just the fact that the former star receiver at Missouri was signed to a NFL practice squad is an achievement in itself, given his past injury issues, but to pull down a touchdown in his first pro game, even better.

I remember reading back in August how Rams’ GM Billy Devaney and head coach Steve Spagnuolo were just impressed by Alexander as a person when they brought him into Rams camp for a visit even though he he was still recovering from knee surgery in February. The Rams were willing to take a chance on signing him to the practice squad hoping he would rehab and eventually be able to help the team later in the season. Little did the Rams expect to need Alexander in week six, but it was still great forsight by the Rams.

Danario Alexander signals a first down after his 13 yard gain. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

Once Mark Clayton went down with a season ending injury in the loss at Detroit, the Rams activated Alexander and he basically had just one week working with the first string offense to get ready for the game with San Diego. The Rams even found a way to work Alexander into the game plan and Sam Bradford found Alexander early.

Listen to Sam Bradford

Alexander made his first catch in the NFL early in the first quarter when Bradford hit him for a five yard pass on a second and 10 from the San Diego 26. That would lead to a Josh Brown field goal and a 3-0 lead.

Danario Alexander is all smiles as he leaves the field following the Rams' win. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

Late in the first quarter, Bradford found Alexander on a 16 yard gain as he was pushed out of bounds at the S.D. 42. Two plays later, Bradford went down the left sideline and Alexander beat his man deep, made up a lot of ground and laid out in the end zone for a 38 yard touchdown.

Steve Spagnuolo is happy with Danario’s performance and hopes there is more to come.  Steve Spagnuolo’s comments

After a three and out by San Diego early in the second quarter, Bradford went back to Alexander on a 13 yard pass up the middle. In all Alexander caught four passes for 72 yards to lead the Rams with a 18 yard per catch average. Still, after the game, Alexander was level headed enough to realize this is just one game and he knows he has not arrived yet in the NFL, but what a great start for a great guy.

Danario Alexander’s comments

The Rams 3-3, travel to Tampa Bay this Sunday.