Former Rams great Bruce starts Niners' finale at St. Louis

ST. LOUIS -- Isaac Bruce got a ceremonial start in the San Francisco 49ers' finale against the St. Louis Rams, lining up for the first snap before jumping and bumping with a teammate and trotting off the field.

The 37-year-old Bruce was active for the first time in six weeks Sunday, giving him a chance to possibly conclude his career in the city where he was a four-time Pro Bowl selection. Bruce said during the practice week there was a "75 percent" probability he would retire. He caught the winning touchdown pass in the Rams' lone Super Bowl championship after the 1999 season.

Bruce untucked his jersey and removed tape shortly after the play, then stood on the sideline and watched.

Before the game, fans chanted his last name in elongated fashion, as they did when he was with the Rams.

Running back Steven Jackson is active for the Rams after missing last week's game (herniated disk). Defensive end Leonard Little, who has an infected right knee, missed his third straight start.

Little, the last remaining player from the Super Bowl title team, also is considering retiring. James Hall starts in his place.

Offensive tackle Joe Staley (knee) also is out for the 49ers.