Injury Report: Cardinals Expected To Play Lindley At QB In NFC Wild Card Vs Panthers
By Kevin McGuire
The Arizona Cardinals continue to prepare for the Carolina Panthers in this weekend’s NFC Wild Card match-up uncertain which quarterback will be available. With Carson Palmer on the shelf, the offense remains in the hands of either Drew Stanton or Ryan Lindley. A knee injury to Stanton continues to slow him down in practices, but head coach Brian Polian is hopeful to have his second-string quarterback available for the Panthers. The Cardinals are a battered squad in other positions as well.
It is beginning to look more likely Arizona will have to throw third-string quarterback Lindley on the field against the Panthers. Lindley has struggled to find consistency down the stretch as the Cardinals pushed toward the playoff, and playing on the road against a Panthers team that has bounced back in a big way this season should figure to give the Panthers a bit of an advantage. If Arizona manages to survive this weekend, Stanton could make a return to the field in the NFC Divisional Playoff round, but that is far from guaranteed either.
Stanton was one of two injured Cardinals to not practice on Wednesday. Starting nose tackle Dan Williams was also out of practice on Wednesday due to a foot injury. Williams is questionable for this weekend’s wild card game, and he will not be alone in that questionable category. Safety Deon Bucannon (knee), tight end John Carlson (calf), offensive guard Jonathan Cooper (wrist) are all questionable for this weekend’s first playoff game as well.
In addition to that list of questionable players, linebacker Larry Foote (knee) is also doubtful for this weekend. Foote missed the final game of the regular season against San Francisco with the injury, and he is not expected to play this weekend.
There are a number of players that will be probable for the Cardinals this week too. On offense, wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald (knee) and Jaron Brown (foot) should play but could be bothered by mild injuries. Center Ted Larsen is also playing through a shoulder injury. On defense, linebackers Lorenzo Alexander (knee) and Matt Shaughnessy (shoulder), defensive end Calais Campbell (hip) and safeties Tyrann Mathieu (thumb) and Rashad Johnson (ankle) could all be playing while slightly banged up.
Probable
LB Lorenzo Alexander (knee)
WR Jaron Brown (foot)
DE Calais Campbell (hip)
WR Larry Fitzgerald (knee)
S Rashad Johnson (ankle)
C Ted Larsen (shoulder)
S Tyrann Mathieu (thumb)
LB Matt Shaughnessy (shoulder)
Questionable
S Deone Bucannon (knee)
TE John Carlson (calf)
OG Jonathan Cooper (wrist)
NT Dan Williams (foot)
Doubtful
LB Larry Foote (knee)
Out
QB Drew Stanton (knee)
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Kevin McGuire is a Philadelphia area sports writer covering the Philadelphia Eagles and college football. McGuire is a member of the FWAA and National Football Foundation. Follow McGuire on Twitter @KevinOnCFB. His work can be found on Examiner.com.