With the Arizona Cardinals set to play the St. Louis Rams at home on Sunday, Friday's practice is always an important one when it comes to injuries. These two 1-6 teams are actually pretty banged up. Both starting quarterbacks -- Kevin Kolb and Sam Bradford -- could be out on Sunday. Beanie Wells is not fully recovered for the Cardinals and the Rams are down a few players.
In particular, the injury situation could cause some problems for the offensive packages for Arizona.
Obviously the biggest injury is Kevin Kolb and his turf toe and sprained foot. He did not practice at all this week and is listed as doubtful for the game. John Skelton is planning on starting but also indicated that depending on how Kolb's treatment goes, he might get the start. Most who follow the team think it is very unlikely Kolb will be ready to go.
Beanie Wells was limited in practice and is officially questionable for the game. However, he will almost certainly play.
The players officially out for the Cardinals are Kerry Rhodes (foot), Anthony Sherman (ankle), Joey Porter (knee) and Rob Housler (groin).
Kolb is doubtful and Beanie Wells (knee), Jim Dray (pec), Todd Heap (hamstring), Nick Eason (Achilles) and LaRod Stephens-Howling (shoulder) are all questionable.
The team brought Reagan Maui'a to fill in for Sherman, but the tight end position is not in good shape, although it is believed that both Dray and Heap will play. Having Heap back will be very important because of the loss of Housler. But should anything be aggravated, only Jeff King is healthy at the position. That would force the use of more receivers or bring in an offensive lineman like D'Anthony Baptiste for formations with multiple tight ends.
Porter's being out seems to point more and more to the end of his career. Sam Acho will take his place.
For the Rams, Bradford practiced a little and is listed as questionable for the game. It will be a gametime decision whether or not he goes on Sunday.
The following players are out for the Rams: WR Danario Alexander (hamstring), RB Jerious Norwood (hamstring), DT Darrell Scott (head) and OT Jason Smith (head).
Bradford (ankle), LB Bryan Kehl (ankle) and Brady Poppinga (calf) are questionable. OL Tony Wragge is probable.
Are you excited? I can't wait for the 1-6 teams backup game. John Skelton and A.J. Feeley -- I've been waiting all year for that killer matchup. Haven't you?