Bird Droppings: Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans both missing key starters heading into game

Happy Saturday one and all.

Hope you are ready for the weekend and Thanksgiving is right around the corner.

Let’s get it started with the news from around the web on the Arizona Cardinals.

Pasch Factor: Budda Begins
Injury to Branch opens door for rookie safety

Five Things To Watch: #AZvsHOU
A look at the top storylines for Sunday's game against the Texans

Larry Fitzgerald Gets 2018 Contract Extension
Veteran wide receiver will stay in Arizona if he chooses to play again next season

Blaine Gabbert Gets QB Start
Notes: With Stanton hurting, Cardinals go to third QB of the season; AD goes home

Cardinals Blogs
Fitz remembers all, Friday before the Texans

Blaine Gabbert officially named starter for Arizona Cardinals on Sunday
Head coach Bruce Arians made it official and announced Blaine Gabbert as the starting quarterback for the upcoming game against the Houston Texans.

Dealing Cards: Fitzgerald retirement on hold, let’s play ‘Where’s Clowney?’
With six weeks still remaining in 2017, the Arizona Cardinals’ 2018 picture is coming into focus.

Patrick Peterson on covering DeAndre Hopkins: 'Bring your popcorn'
Cornerback Patrick Peterson expects to be busy Sunday when his Cardinals visit the Texans, with standout DeAndre Hopkins figuring to get his attention.

Larry Fitzgerald signs one-year extension with Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals announced Friday the signing of veteran wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald to an extension through the 2018 season.

Larry Fitzgerald under contract for 2018, but could still retire
The Cardinals' star receiver is mulling retirement, but is closing in on some impressive milestones that could sway his decision this offseason.

Arizona Cardinals to start QB Blaine Gabbert vs. Houston Texans
Cardinals QB Blaine Gabbert will start against the Texans on Sunday, with injured Drew Stanton serving as the backup, if he can.

Sheldon Richardson of Seattle Seahawks fined, calls it 'extortion'
The NFL fined Seahawks defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson $18,231 for his hit on Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton on Nov. 9. He is appealing the fine, which he called "extortion" Friday.

Week 11 NFL predictions: Scores for every game
Week 11 brings a tilt between the division-leading Vikings and Rams, and the Saints and Eagles look to continue their strolls through their schedules.

Larry Fitzgerald has No. 2 all-time in his sights | Cards Wire
With a return in 2018, he could pass Tony Gonzalez in receptions and Terrell Owens in receiving yards.

Patrick Peterson expecting lots of action defending DeAndre Hopkins | Cards Wire
This should be fun to watch.

Blaine Gabbert to start for Cardinals, Drew Stanton might still be backup | Cards Wire
Are you ready for the Blaine Gabbert experience?

Only Corey Peters ruled out for Cardinals, Drew Stanton might dress | Cards Wire
The Cardinals might only have two players who can't play because of health.

Will Fuller out, Chris Thompson questionable for Texans vs. Cardinals | Cards Wire
Three Texans have been ruled out and four others listed as questionable.