Normally the rest and relaxation of a bye helps a team not only re-focus but more importantly it gives them time to get healthy and that seems to be the case with the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals put out the first official injury report in a week and a half yesterday and it's probably fair to say that they are healthier right now than they have been at any point this season. Need proof? For the first time since probably very early in training camp every single member of the team participated in practice, although there were a couple of "limited" action guys. Here's a complete rundown:
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Kenny Iwebema (ankle) - Limited
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Steve Breaston (knee) - Limited
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Darnell Dockett (ankle) - Limited
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Reggie Wells (thumb) - Limited
- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (finger) - Limited
- Kurt Warner (shoulder) - Full participation
All in all that's very good news for the home team. Everyone is expected to be ready by Sunday although DRC is expected to have his thumb heavily wrapped (so you might not want to bet your mortgage on him recording his second INT of the season) as is Wells. The Texans, who have not had a bye week yet, released a much less favorable injury report after their practice yesterday.
In total they listed twelve players the report with four in the DNP category, seven in the limited participation category and one who fully participated. The worst news, for them, is that two prominent defensive starters, Mario Williams and Brian Cushing, were both held out of practice. Williams is expected to play and Gary Kubiak (Texans Head Coach) has already said that he could play without stepping on the practice field this week. Cushing is a different story though because he missed practice with "FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS" and the bug has been running through the Texans locker room. Two players, one of which was starter Eugene Wilson, missed their game last week with the same condition and their injury report still has three players listed under the "illness" umbrella. Losing Cushing would be a huge hit for a front seven that has already struggled to slow down opposing running games. The only other injuries of note include their starting right guard, Mike Brisiel, who was limited and starting corner back Fred Bennett who missed practice due to 'non-injury' reasons.