The Los Angeles Rams are looking forward to the return of cornerback E.J. Gaines

The Arizona Cardinals receiver corps is among the NFL’s deepest.

Nine-time Pro Bowl selection Larry Fitzgerald leads a group that includes Michael Floyd and John and Jaron Brown, all of whom can make plays for quarterback Carson Palmer.

Rams cornerback E.J. Gaines recognizes the multi-tiered threat.

And the third-year pro wants to play a role in neutralizing it Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium.

“It’s a full stack,” Gaines said Tuesday when asked about the Cardinals’ receivers. “No better game to come back to.

“So I’m hoping this is the week. I’m ready if so.”

The Rams have been eagerly awaiting Gaines’ return since cornerback Janoris Jenkins signed with the New York Giants in March.

Gaines sat out last season because of a foot injury but the Rams were anticipating that a player who started 15 games as a rookie in 2014 would return and start opposite franchise-tagged cornerback Trumaine Johnson.

It has not worked out that way.

Though Gaines said his foot is sound, he has yet to play this season because of a quadriceps injury, one of several physical setbacks he has suffered since training camp.

Coach Jeff Fisher said last week that Gaines was “really close” to returning, but Gaines was inactive during Sunday’s 37-32 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston passed for 405 yards and three touchdowns against a secondary that featured Troy Hill and Coty Sensabaugh playing opposite Johnson.

On Monday, asked when he expected Gaines to return to the lineup, Fisher said, “Really good chance this week.” On Tuesday, Fisher said he wouldn’t know Gaines’ status for Sunday’s game until later in the week.

“He had a really good pregame workout in Tampa and felt really good, had no setbacks,” Fisher said. “So we’ll see how he is and just kind of work him in.”

The Rams fell from ninth to 17^th in the NFL in passing defense after playing the Buccaneers. Receivers Mike Evans and Adam Humphries each had 100 or more yards in receiving yardage.

The Rams, who are 2-1 and in first place in the NFC West, have given up 266 yards passing per game. They have surrendered four touchdown passes and intercepted one pass.

Gaines’ return not only would strengthen the Rams’ coverage on the outside. It would allow them to play Sensabaugh more often in the slot, where he was more effective while playing for the Tennessee Titans before signing with the Rams.

The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Gaines said he would add several elements to the secondary when he returns.

“Hopefully, just bring some physicality to the outside, contain some of those runs that bounce outside and help the defense get off the field on third downs,” he said.

Mainly, Gaines would add experience playing in defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ system. Experience, safety T.J. McDonald said, that should not be underestimated.

“We’ve got snaps under our belt together, so for us communication is good,” McDonald said. “He knows what to expect from me and I know what to expect from him.”

The Cardinals are 1-2 after Sunday’s 33-18 loss against the Buffalo Bills. Palmer had four passes intercepted in the fourth quarter.

Gaines said he was looking forward to the challenge of playing against the Cardinals and that he intended to show coaches this week that he’s ready to be part of the lineup.

“Just be 100%,” he said, “and give them no doubt.”

Hustle play

Every Friday, Rams offensive linemen perform a drill that calls for them to sprint 10 yards to near where the ball is thrown.

The last lineman to reach the play loses.

“It’s something we made into a little game,” tackle Rob Havenstein said, “but it does teach a really good habit.”

The training paid off against the Buccaneers.

Havenstein ran toward the sideline after a second quarter reception by Rams receiver Kenny Britt, who fumbled. Tampa Bay safety Chris Conte scooped up the ball and Havenstein tumbled out of bounds after attempting to cut him down.

Conte reversed field, then reversed field again toward the sideline with a possible clear path to the end zone.

But Havenstein got back on his feet and ran back onto the field to make the tackle.

Havenstein credited offensive line coach Paul Boudreau for his vigilance in hustling to the end of the play.

“Be down around the ball, clear guys off the pile so wide receivers and running backs don’t take those extra hits and stuff,” Havenstein said. “That’s just something he’s preached and something I think we’ve all bought into and will continue.”

Quick hit

The Rams added defensive lineman Lynden Trail to the practice squad. Trail, 6 feet 7 and 269 pounds, played at Norfolk State.