12-22-11: Arizona Cardinals Bird Droppings - QB Uncertain

Time for some links, including Whiz not making a decision on who his Quarterback will be on Sunday, but since it looks like Kolb isn't fully healed yet we might be seeing Skelton again.

Backing A Quarterback
With Kolb coming back and Skelton winning, decision not easy

Cincy Stop Changed Lutui
Notebook: Guard flipped mindset after free-agent move; Porter to IR

Cardinals haven't decided on starting QB vs. Bengals
Coach Ken Whisenhunt isn't naming a starting quarterback for Saturday's game in Cincinnati for one of two reasons: He hasn't picked one or he has and just doesn't want to say.

Cardinals offensive lineman Deuce Lutui sees past offseason as a learning experience
Even as he goes through what he calls his biggest challenge ever as an athlete, Cardinals guard Deuce Lutui has found an inner peace and a steely resolve that he will move forward as a more- omplete player and person.

Arizona Cardinals' Joey Porter placed on injured reserve, likely ending his career
Outside linebacker Joey Porter was played on injured reserve on Wednesday, ending his season and, most likely, his career. Porter missed the last eight games with a knee injury that required surgery earlier this season. Porter wasn't going to play even if he had returned healthy. Sam Acho has played well as Porter's replacement.

2011 Cardinals: Dream scenario for Week 16 - NFC West Blog - ESPN
A look at what Arizona Cardinals fans should be rooting for as they monitor the NFC playoff race in Week 16:

Kolb practices, but doesn't feel 'normal' - ArizonaSports.com
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb, who suffered a concussion two weeks ago against San Francisco, was on the practice field Wednesday in Tempe. But by his own admission, he's not close to one-hundred percent.

In Coach Whiz we trust -- again - ArizonaSports.com
Ken Whisenhunt recently told the Arizona Republic that the remarkable recovery by the Arizona Cardinals "builds equity....when you go through the pain of losing those games with all these young guys, and they understand now what they have to do in order to get out of it, that makes you stronger as a team."

NFC West injury situations that matter - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Arizona: Quarterback Kevin Kolb practiced on a limited basis while continuing his return from a concussion. Coach Ken Whisenhunt remained noncommittal on a starter against Cincinnati. Kolb has suffered significant injuries in two of his last three starts, missing games following each one. Kolb appears unlikely to start if his reps do not increase Thursday. The team has won enough with backup John Skelton to consider giving Kolb additional recovery time. Right tackle Brandon Keith (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. Jeremy Bridges' presence gives the team insurance. Beanie Wells remained limited while dealing with a knee injury likely to bother him the rest of the season. Wells' production has fallen off as a result. The team's decision to place outside linebacker Joey Porter changes nothing. The team has gone with younger alternatives, and Porter wasn't playing.

Joey Porter placed on injured reserve - ArizonaSports.com
The Arizona Cardinals placed veteran linebacker Joey Porter on the injured reserve list, ending his season and likely his two-year stay in the desert.

Word From the Birds Blog - Porter to IR, future cloudy
After missing most of the season with a bad knee that required surgery, the Cardinals finally placed veteran linebacker Joey Porter on injured reserve Tuesday, ending his season and — barring a surprise — his time in Arizona. There’s a good chance the 13-year pro, a free-agent-to-be, also has played his last down in the NFL as he deals with the chronic knee issues. Porter came into the season needing three sacks to reach 100 for his career. He notched just one before he played for a final time this season against the Steelers the sixth game of the season; the knee sidelined him since.

Cards Daily - Something to Play For
After a disappointing start to the season, the Cardinals feel fortunate to have a shot at a playoff spot with two games to play.

Cardinals Underground - CIN Preview
Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban, and Ron Wolfley talk about the performance of QB John Skelton, the Cardinals defense, and the match-up with the Bengals.

Arizona Sports News:

Lauri Korpikoski, Coyotes earn second win in two nights
Two games in two nights on an East Coast road swing didn't bother the Phoenix Coyotes. They just went out and won both games. Lauri Korpikoski and Ray Whitney each had a goal and an assist to lead the Coyotes to a 4-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday night, a day after they won at Florida.

ASU basketball blows lead, falters to Fresno State
Unable to hold a 17-point first-half lead Wednesday, Arizona State lost a third consecutive game that came down to a final shot to win or tie. Kyle Cain's shot at the buzzer on top inside the 3-point line missed, allowing Fresno State to escape with a 68-65 win at Wells Fargo Arena.

ASU football aims to send Dennis Erickson out a winner
No one called a team meeting. No one went from player to player to try and build support. "No, it's pretty much understood," senior receiver Gerell Robinson said. When the Arizona State Sun Devils take the field in Thursday's Maaco Las Vegas Bowl against No. 7 Boise State, their biggest motivation will stem from the man leading them. This is Dennis Erickson's last game with the Sun Devils, maybe the last of a 23-year college career. Despite a regular season that spiraled out of control, ASU would like nothing more than to send him out a winner.

NFL News:

2012 Pro Bowl fan balloting: Final ranks - NFC West Blog - ESPN
A few changes for NFC West players stood out in final fan voting for the 2012 Pro Bowl.

Ben Roethlisberger Injury: Steelers QB Expected To Sit In Week 16 - SBNation.com
No official decision has been made on the status of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for the team's Week 16 game against the St. Louis Rams. Head coach Mike Tomlin said that no decision on his quarterback's availability would be made until later in the week. However, Jason LaCanfora of the NFL Network reported on Wednesday that team officials expect Roethlisberger to sit out against the Rams.

Rams' Austin Pettis Suspended Four Games - SBNation.com
Rookie wide receiver Austin Pettis was suspended four games by the NFL for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing drugs.

NFL.com news: Chiefs show how to beat Packers; who else can do it?
In a copycat league, coaches are not afraid to steal elements from successful game plans designed by their counterparts. And with the way Kansas City throttled Green Bay's offense in Sunday's 19-14 upset, defensive coordinators around the league are certain to take a few ideas from Romeo Crennel's plan. Here are a few elements that I believe will make their way into future game plans:

Video: Edwards gives $790,000 to students - NFC West Blog - ESPN
As a rookie with Cleveland in 2005, Edwards promised $10,000 in college scholarship money for 100 eighth-graders if they met certain academic criteria when they graduated high school. Seventy-nine qualified. This is their story.

Giants’ Victor Cruz: We’re going to throw the ball at Darrelle Revis | ProFootballTalk
Giants receiver Victor Cruz thinks he’s going to have a good time visiting Revis Island on Saturday.