Cardinals Vs. Rams: Injuries And A Backup QB Battle Royale

After practice on Wednesday for the Arizona Cardinals, we get a slightly clearer picture of the injury situation. Kevin Kolb sat out of practice because of his injured toe and for the St. Louis Rams, who are set to play the Cardinals in University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Sam Bradford still did not practice. 

This, naturally is what everyone was hoping for in the middle of the season -- a dual of John Skelton and A.J. Feeley to decide who will occupy the cellar of the NFC West. Wait...something is wrong here. It was supposed to be Kevin Kolb against Sam Bradford and two teams battling for the division lead -- the Rams being the team picked by most to win it, while the Cardinals with their newly acquired starting QB were to be in contention. 

Kolb was not in his walking boot for the first time since Sunday, but was still visibly limping. His availability for Sunday will be determined by his ability to handle the pain he is feeling and be able to step into his throws and get enought strength on them. 

Apparently his toe injury is more to it than just that, as well. Kent Somer tweeted that in addition to turf toe, Kolb also has a mid-foot sprain in other ligaments and a bone bruise.

As we should always use as our guide, we need to watch how much he practices on Thursday and Friday to know the likelihood of his playing on Sunday.

Also not practicing Wednesday were Anthony Sherman (ankle), Kerry Rhodes (foot), Rob Housler (groin) and Beanie Wells (knee). 

We know that Sherman will be out Sunday with the addition of Reagan Maui'a, but it also looks like Housler will not be playing on Sunday. 

As for Beanie, Ken Whisenhunt indicated that his missing practice to start the week will likely be a recurring theme while he tries to strengthen his knee to get it ready for the game each week. He will be limited later in the week and then he will play. Whiz made sure to point out that he thinks that Beanie "is one tough sucker." I think he may be able to shake that soft label now. 

The injury to Housler should be minimized by the return of Todd Heap, who was limited in practice. He is expected to play on Sunday, though. 

The other players limited on Wednesday were Heap, Jim Dray (pectoral), Joey Porter (knee), Nick Eason (Achilles) and LaRod Stephens-Howling (shoulder). It is the first time this season that Eason has been on the injury report.