PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : The Real Show Comes Later

After taking on the New York Giants on Sunday, Ram defensive tackle D’Marco Farr will shuck his uniform in a rush to get to the Anaheim Convention Center to see his idol, Hulk Hogan, take on Ric Flair in the World Championship Wrestling heavyweight title bout.

“Flair’s an 11-time world champion, but a little small and I have to go with my idol anyway, the Hulkster,” Farr said. “I met Hulk when I was 12 backstage at the Oakland Coliseum after he wrestled Brutus Beefcake. He’s been a big part of my life; some kids have idols, and mine’s been a wrestler.”

Farr will start against the Giants in place of Sean Gilbert, the Rams’ best defender.

“This is my second time filling in for a big star,” said Farr, who became the Pacific 10 defensive lineman of the year while playing at the University of Washington. “In college I stepped in for Steve Emtman. “I’ll just keep the position warm for Sean until he gets back.”

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Steve Israel, who opened the season as a starting cornerback, has been plagued by tendinitis in his knee.

“We tried one form of treatment and it didn’t work like we thought it would,” Israel said. “Now we’re working with something else. It’s gotten better, but it’s at a standstill. I played with it last year, but didn’t have the constant fluid buildup. It’s something that’s stopping me from cutting, stopping and bursting.”

Israel said he has been advised the knee does not require surgery.

“I wish I could get scoped, sit out a week and come back,” Israel said. “I’m extremely disappointed, but what can I do?”

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Coach Chuck Knox ruled Gilbert out of Sunday’s game. Gilbert is suffering from an impingement of his left rotator cuff and tendinitis, which will require rest. He will be re-evaluated next week. . . . Safety Anthony Newman did not practice after injuring a finger Thursday, but Knox said he will start.