Martz in hospital, expected back for game

NFL.com wire reports

ST. LOUIS (Sept. 30, 2005) -- Rams coach Mike Martz was hospitalized Sept. 30 with a sinus infection, but the team expects him to be able to coach Oct. 2 when St. Louis plays at the New York Giants. - NFL Football -

Martz drove himself to the hospital, spokesman Artis Twyman said. He was expected to be released by Oct. 1, in time to fly with the team to New York.

"He had been complaining about his sinuses bothering him for a couple of weeks," Twyman said. "I guess it was a little bit worse today." - NFL Football -

Joe Vitt, the assistant head coach and linebackers coach, ran practice in Martz's absence.

Earlier this year, Martz underwent back surgery. - NFL Football -

Martz joined the Rams as offensive coordinator in 1999, and his high-powered offense led St. Louis to its first Super Bowl title that season. He became head coach following Dick Vermeil's retirement days after the Super Bowl. - NFL Football -

Now in his sixth season, Martz is 56-34 including the postseason. The Rams have missed the playoffs just once in his tenure (2002) and reached the Super Bowl after the 2001 season, losing 20-17 to New England. - NFL Football -

This season, the Rams (2-1) are tied with Seattle for first place in the NFC West. The Giants are also 2-1.

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