The clock is ticking down to the official start of the preseason for the Arizona Cardinals. The Saints will be in town tomorrow and the two teams will lock up on national television. Now granted, this is just a preseason game so it'll have very little baring on the regular season but to see the Cardinals run back on the field for the first time in eight months will be enough to give me chills. Keeping in mind though that this will be a game played predominantly by guys who won't make either roster, here are some things to keep an eye on:

Rookies: There haven't been many bad reports about the draft class or undrafted rookies from camp so far but this will be the first chance to see how they respond to being hit by a true opponent. First round pick, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will likely be a starter tomorrow night since Roderick Hood isn't going to play because of a bad foot. Other defensive rookies like Calais Campbell, Kenny Iwebema and Chris Harrington should see plenty of playing time with the second and third units. Seventh round pick, Brandon Keith will likely see time on both guard and tackle with the recent injury to Carlton Medder. I can't wait to see how early Tim Hightower gets into the game either. I would imagine that if Edge plays at all, it won't be much and that could open the door for Hightower to get reps with the first team. Early Doucet is the only rookie of note who won't play. There are several undrafted rookies who could stand out as well including Lance Long (who's had a great camp), Ali Highsmith, Hercules Satele and Keilen Dykes. I also can't wait to see how Anthony Morelli looks in his first game action. I'd imagine he'll play at least the whole fourth quarter if not part of the third as well.

Vets Returning from Injury: We all know how many veterans ended the season on the IR last year and it'll be great to see the defense back at full strength. Of course guys like Adrian Wilson, Chike Okeafor and Bertrand Berry won't play much more than a single series but it'll be nice to see them back on the field. Leinart also recently said that he's looking forward to his first hit to reassure everyone that his shoulder is fully healed. Hopefully he'll be able to keep his jersey clean during the one or two series that he plays, but a hit or two won't be the end of the world.

Antrel Rolle's New Role: Ok if you can forgive me for a horrible and painfully obvious play on words, I'm sure nearly every Cardinals fan can't wait to see how Antrel Rolle will handle the move to free safety. Much has been made of the move this offseaon and even though we'll see a very 'vanilla' defense, it should still be an indication of things to come. Coach Whisenhunt also said recently that he'll try Rolle out as a punt returner, which should be worth watching.

Steve Breaston: Breaston's almost developed a 'cult-like' following this offseason with countless stories chronicling development as a receiver. He's the favorite to win the #3 receiver job and he'll certainly get an opportunity to take a step in the right direction tomorrow night. With Boldin and Doucet out, he'll not only be starting opposite of Larry Fitzgerald but could stay in the game longer than if the receiving corps were at full strength.

Tight End Position: There wasn't supposed to be much of a battle at tight end this season but Ben Patrick has had a great camp and he's starting to put some pressure on Leonard Pope. Pope partially opened the door since he was limited at the start of camp but both tight ends have been standing out in practice. It's rare to read a practice report that doesn't include a great catch by one these two. Pope will start but both should see a couple of series of action.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I might be making too much of the first preseason game of the year, but hey we're all craving some football, right? It's worth remembering that no matter how bad or good someone or the entire team looks, it's just preseason. No one is going to win a job or lose a job with their performance in this game but it is another step towards the start of the regular season. Also remember that if you're watching the game close to your computer, you can log on to ROTB and comment in the live game thread and discuss the game as it happens with fellow Cards fans.

For all of you Arizona State fans out there, be sure to check out one of SB Nation's newest blogs, House of Sparky. Check them out for everything you need to know about the Arizona State Sun Devils.

The big news from yesterday was the release of veteran running back Marcel Shipp and we'll take a look back at his seven year career with the Cardinals later today. The Cardinals did make some other news though so here's a quick overview:

Not Playing on Thursday: We found out that Boldin won't play in the preseason opener, which wasn't a big surprise considering that he hasn't practiced in a week and a half. It was a mild surprise that Doucet also won't be suiting up because of his gimpy hamstring. Neither of the injuries are considered very serious but there's not much point in rushing guys back for an early preseason game. There is no word yet on how much other starters will play, although Matt Leinart did say that he expect to play a series or two.

Another Offensive Lineman Goes Down: Another practice and another offensive lineman carted off the field as Cartlon Medder injured his left elbow. Medder had been running with the second team at left guard, but Coach Whisenhunt did say that he doesn't think the injury is serious. There is some hope that he'll be able to return to the practice field soon even if he has to wear a protective brace. Peter Clifford, who had been practicing at left tackle, moved into Medder's spot and newly acquired Kelly Butler took over at left tackle.

Rookies Changing Numbers: A couple of rookies are swapping numbers before the preseason gets underway. Fourth round pick, Kenny Iwebema  traded in #79 for #91 with newcomer Jasper Harvey taking #79. Undrafted rookie, Ali Highsmith traded in #37 for #95.

Newest Cardinal: The player who took Marcel Shipp's roster spot is Jasper Harvey. Harvey was undrafted out of San Diego State in 2006 and was signed by the Washington Redskins. He spent the next two seasons split between the Redskins and Eagles' practice squads. Harvey was a three year starter for the Aztecs, although he did have to sit out a season (2004) for a campus hazing incident. He was a very good pass blocker at SD State and didn't allow a single sack in 2003 in 502 passing plays. He played for the Orlando Predators of the AFL in 2007 where he started at center for the entire year. Most of his experience has been at center but he's got the ability to compete at both guard and center.

In our continued breakdown of each and every position heading into camp, we round out the offense today by previewing the interior of the offensive line. If you missed any previous breakdowns you can catch up on the tight ends, wide receivers, running backs, full backs, quarterbacks and offensive tackle. The interior of the offensive line is the bread and butter of the offense because most of the running plays (especially with Edge at RB) will be between the tackles. They're also responsible for keeping pressure out of the quarterbacks' face and with two rather immobile quarterbacks, that can be critical. The good news is that the starters are projected to return for 2008 and with another year of experience and continuity this group will have a chance to gel and help the offense excel.

Al Johnson (C): Johnson anchors the middle of the offensive line and while he's not specatular, he is productive and most importantly he's consistent. He signed a four year $17.5 million contract before last season and played up to his contract in the first year. His second season could be even better considering that he was having to learn a new system and play with a group of guys for the first time. He's a leader on the line (45 career starts) and could be the key to this line becoming great.

Lyle Sendlein (C): Sendlein had a great rookie season, especially considering he was undrafted out of the University of Texas. He appeared in 14 games and even more impressively started two games (weeks two and three). During Sendlein's two starts Edge averaged 5.44 yards per carry and the line only gave up one sack. That'll certainly open some eyes especially considering that the opponents were the Seahawks and the Ravens. The coaching staff raves about Sendlein and he could seriously push Johnson for playing time next year, if not this season.

Deuce Lutui (OG): Deuce played well in his first full season as a starter and even though he'll have to improve his consistency, he looks like he'll be a solid starter for years to come. He's a mauler who at times doesn't play under control but the coaching staff really likes his aggressive style of play. Another season of starting experience combined with the tutelage of Russ Grimm, could have Lutui step up as one of the most productive and consistent lineman for the Cardinals.

Reggie Wells (OG): Wells is a small school success story and he just keeps getting better. The 27 year old out of Clarion University has been the full-time starter for the Cardinals for the past four seasons and has almost 60 games as a starter. Despite Wells starting experience, there is still hope that he can improve in 2008 since he bounced between guard and tackle in previous seasons but this will be the first time that he's spend two consecutive seasons at left guard. He signed a five year contract last year and should be a Cardinal through 2010.

Elton Brown (OG & OT): Brown's the top backup at every position on the line except center. He's a versatile player but has problems staying healthy. If he could stay healthy some scouts think that he could push either guard for playing time. He's on a one year contract though so this could be a make or break year for him. He's got a good initial punch at the point of attack but at times plays with poor leverage and can overextend. Brown's the second in line at both guards and tackles so he'll see playing time during the season.

Scott Peters: Peters can play either guard or center but hasn't appeared in a NFL game since 2003 when he started four games for the Giants. The Cardinals are his fifth team since 2002 but it will be the first time in his career that he's spent two consecutive seasons with the same organization. He spent the 2007 season on their practice squad, but he'll have to perform well enough in camp to earn a roster spot if he wants to stick around. The Cardinals have too many young lineman to use a practice squad spot on a guy who'll turn 30 years old during the season.

Hercules Satele: Satele's an interesting prospect even though he's a bit small (6'2 308) for a guard. At Hawaii's pro day he put up 40 reps on the bench (Jake Long led all OL at the combine with 37) and he started the last 25 games for the Warriors high flying offense. He ended his senior season with a 1st Team All-WAC honor and second team FWAA All-American Team. He'll likely have to gain a little bit of weight or he could also seem an eventual move to center. Either way though, he'll likely see at least one season on the practice squad.

Carlton Medder: Medder started two seasons at RT for the Florida Gators but his lack of quickness kept him from being drafted. In the post-season Texas vs. the Nation game he showed that he didn't have the foot quickness to handle speed rushers. Still though he started 26 straight games for the Gators and earned second team All-SEC honors his senior season. The Cardinals list him as a guard so they must think that he'll be able to use his size (6'5 316) to engulf opponents while masking his lack of speed by allowing him to play inside. Regardless of where he lines up, he most likely destined to the practice squad for at least a season especially if he's learning a new position.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The offensive line as a whole is a good mix of proven, established veterans and developing talent. If Lutui continues to grow as a player and the interior of the offensive line gels, this unit could help Edge revive his career and help Leinart stay comfortable in the pocket. Injuries to the starting five have the potential to be catastrophic though considering that Sendlein and Elton Brown are the only capable backups. Thoughts/Concerns? Any possible guys that you'd like to see the Cardinals take a look at for depth?