Arizona Cardinals' tight end Todd Heap, who injured his thumb during the Cardinals' 24-18 preseason victory over the Oakland Raiders, seems to be showing progress in his recovery. Heap said today that his thumb "is getting better everyday."

Heap sprained his left thumb during the second quarter of Thursday's contest against the Raiders. He looked good while he was out on the field though, recording two receptions on two targets for 21 yards. Heap's likely back-up, Rob Housler, stepped in and also produced during the game. Housler caught two passes for 18 yards and one touchdown,

Heap himself admitted that the injury was not very serious. According to AZ Central, Heap said that he would have played through the injury on Thursday if it had been a regular season game. The preseason, however, is not about getting playing time for your starters. It is about giving minutes to your reserves and preserving the health of your players.

Heap has been active in practice over the past few days and should be active for the Cardinal's second preseason game against the defending champion Green Bay Packers.