The Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys are a few hours from kicking off their Sunday afternoon NFL Week 13 contest. Both sides have released their lists of 46 active and seven inactive players. As expected, quarterback Kevin Kolb will make his first start since suffering a foot injury in the Cardinals game in Baltimore on October 30.
What was not expect is the continued issues with Todd Heap's hamstring. Heap played in the first four games of the season before the injury which has now kept him out of seven games as of this Sunday. He was activated last week against the Rams but was limited in his role and had no receptions. He has just 13 catches on the season.
Fortunately for the Cardinals offense, rookie TE Rob Housler will play. Housler has shown that he can be an effective weapon in the passing game but has missed the last four games with a groin injury.
Other roster news for the Cardinals is WR Jaymar Johnson getting a chance to be on the active roster for the first time since being promoted from the practice squad. With Johnson active, receivers Stephen Williams and Rodney Stuckey are inactive.
Johnson was a sixth-round pick for the Vikings in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played in just six games since. Johnson has been impressive in practice and reportedly has blazing speed. If Johnson can use that speed to beat single coverage it might force defenses to commit a safety which in turn could open things up for Larry Fitzgerald. We'll see.
According to the team web site, Jeremy Bridges will get the start in place of Brandon Keith at right tackle. Keith has struggled with knee issues and suffered a concussion a few weeks ago. Bridges has played adequately at times.
Other inactives for the Cardinals includes S Kerry Rhodes (foot), OLB Joey Porter (knee), T D'Anthony Bastiste, QB Rich Bartell.
For the Cowboys, inactives include: WR Miles Austin is out along with QB Jon Kitna, FB Tony Fiammetta, RB Philip Tanner, G David Arkin, G Daniel Loper, NT Josh Brent.