8/7 Arizona Cardinals news: Carson Palmer likes it rough

With the preseason opener just a couple days out, team news is flooding the Interwebs. It's mostly good, but tight end Jake Ballard retiring hurts the depth chart a bit. Read that and more:

Cardinals

Getting Physical With Michael Floyd
Wide receiver's confidence has Cardinals believing in big year ahead

Carson Palmer Hopes Opener Is A Hit
Notebook: QB ready to be knocked down; Mathieu's timetable; Ballard retires

Wednesday's Arizona Cardinals camp report
Carson Palmer hoping to get knocked around? Oh...

Palmer has passion for preseason pain | FOX Sports on MSN
That wasn't a lie. Here's Palmer's quote:

"I actually always hope to get knocked down a bunch of times during the preseason," Palmer said. "If your body's not used to being that kind of sore -- because it's so rare; it only happens five months a year -- that soreness kind of lingers on through the week for a little bit longer so I like to get that soreness out of the way before the regular season starts."

Cardinals Blogs | Defense knows too much (and other notes)
The Cardinals’ defense will be good again this season. Just ask the Cardinals’ offense.

Arizona Cardinals tight end Jake Ballard retires
Unfortunately, former New York Giants, New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals tight end Jake Ballard has decided to hang up the cleats for the final time, citing health as his reason.

Jaron Brown quietly making plays, earning shot with Arizona Cardinals ArizonaSports.com
"...he's been catching deep balls every day. Every day, ‘Whoops, there goes J.B. again deep,' and that's a good thing." -- Head coach Bruce Arians on wide receiver Jaron Brown.

Arizona Cardinals' Tyrann Mathieu looking to clear latest obstacle, be ready for Week 1 ArizonaSports.com
His life has featured some of the highest of highs along with the lowest of lows, but now, heading into his second NFL season he feels a responsibility to the team that drafted him in the third round.

Cardinals' backfield-by-committee an experimental work in progress | FOX Sports on MSN
Bruce Arians plans to keep his running backs guessing this season. Will they be in single-back formation? Will there be more two-backs sets as he has indicated and shown in camp? Will they line up as receivers?

Around the rest of the NFC Best (West)

Sharks, Kings to face off at Levi's Stadium in NHL Stadium Series - Niners Nation
The 49ers and Levi's Stadium announced the facility will host an NHL Stadium Series game on February 21. The San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings will square off in the 49ers stadium.

Anthony Davis expects to be back in time for Week 1 vs. Cowboys - Niners Nation
49ers offensive tackle Anthony Davis is rehabbing back from offseason shoulder surgery. He recently posted some info on Instagram updating his status.

Kevin Norwood has bone spur removed from foot, could return before season; Seahawks sign S Michael Dobson - Field Gulls
Norwood may be able to get back before the season opener.

Broncos preseason 2014: Seahawks eager to scout Percy Harvin, avoid the Super Bowl Hangover - Mile High Report
We asked Danny Kelly of Field Gulls five questions about the Broncos' preseason opener against the Seahawks Thursday, and the upcoming 2014 season as a whole, to get some 12th man perspective.

Rams Roster Preview: Alec Ogletree - Turf Show Times
Alec Ogletree is heading into his sophomore season with the St. Louis Rams. After an impressive rookie campaign, how much will he build off of his success?

Rams Roster Preview: Tavon Austin - Turf Show Times
Last season was a disappointing one for Tavon Austin, but 2014 should be a better one for him.