The Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams were two teams picked to compete for the NFC West title this season. Instead, it's the San Francisco 49ers (6-1) who are running away with the division while the Cardinals and Rams each are struggling with a 1-6 record going into their first of two meetings. Unfortunately for both teams who desperately need a Week 9 win, each could be without their starting quarterback due to injury.
Sam Bradford (ankle) didn't practice on Wednesday and is questionable for Sunday. According to Rams running back Steven Jackson, the team won't change its game plan even if backup A.J. Feeley gets his third-straight start. Feeley led the Rams to a 31-21 win over the New Orleans Saints last week so the team is feeling confident either way.
Kevin Kolb reported on Wednesday that he's making progress with his toe injury suffered early in last Sunday's game in Baltimore. Kolb didn't practice on Wednesday either but is no long wearing a walking boot to protect the toe that he and teammates reported was very swollen and discolored after the game.
If Kolb can't go, look for John Skelton to get the start.
"Those four games I got to play last year really help towards this year," Skelton said.
He reported that he is preparing as if he's going to get the start but that's no different than any other week. The only change is getting the reps in practice on Wednesday while Kolb rehabs the toe.
Coach Ken Whisenhunt said they would continue to evaluate Kolb throughout the week and likely wouldn't make a final determination until Sunday. His ability to play is a combination of pain tolerance and how much he's able to push off the right foot while making throws.
"You just don't want to get out there and the ball starts sailing and doing things that it normally hasn't done," Kolb explained.
Other Cardinals injuries include TE Rob Housler (groin) who said this was a new injury and not a re-aggravation of his injury from training camp. Housler is unlikely to play Sunday but the Cardinals should have TE Todd Heap (hamstring) back although Whisenhunt indicated he could be used in a limited role Sunday. TE Jim Dray (pectoral) is back as well and played well last Sunday.
Whisenhunt reported that Beanie Wells is OK but will have soreness and have to work himself back each week for the next few weeks as his knee slowly recovers. It certainly sounds as if Wells will play against the Rams but could be limited in the number of snaps he's available as was the case last Sunday.