Mike Iupati to start vs. Rams, Andre Ellington will not, but could play

The Arizona Cardinals will finally have their entire starting offensive line together this weekend when the team plays the St. Louis Rams. Head coach Bruce Arians announced to the media after practice on Friday he was a full participant in practice and will play on Sunday, making his first start of the season.

The question remains how rusty Iupati will be on Sunday when he does start. Arians said he better not be too rusty as he has to block "a Tazmanian Devil" (Aaron Donald).

So will Iupati be more ready or rusty after so much time off after surgery to repair a meniscus?

"I'm ready," he declared Friday. "That's why I practiced from two weeks ago all the way down, just to get the rust out."

Running back Andre Ellington will not start on Sunday, although he could play. Arians said he would be a game time decision. Even if he can play, Arians pointed out he is not in good enough football shape to start, and as such, Chris Johnson will start the game.

It does seem likely Ellington will play. ESPN's Josina Anderson reported early Friday Ellington is expected to play, barring a significant setback.

"I feel good," Ellington said Friday. "I got better each day. Still not right where I want to be, but hopefully I feel good on game day and I'll be able to get out there."

He did indicate he will wear a brace on his knee and would do so until the medical staff tells him he doesn't need it.

When asked if he felt he could play today, he said it was up to his coach.

So the Cardinals will have all their offensive line starters and perhaps a full stable of running backs. That's what you want against a very physical defense like the Rams.