ST. LOUIS - Rams rookie running back Todd Gurley has taken the next step toward returning to action following his knee injury.

The No. 10 overall pick in the 2015 draft, Gurley has begun practicing without the yellow beanie on his helmet that signifies to defenders he is off limits from contact during practice sessions.

Coach Jeff Fisher already said Saturday that Gurley would not play in the season opener against the visiting Seattle Seahawks this Sunday after holding the running back from Georgia out of all four preseason games.

The Rams kept five running backs on their first 53-man roster, but the team's depth at that position could be tested this week with Gurley not playing and with presumed starter Tre Mason nursing a hamstring injury he suffered earlier in training camp, then re-aggravated during the third preseason game.

Mason did not practice on Tuesday because of the injury.