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Arizona Cardinals hope Nate Potter can play against Aldon Smith, 49ers

If the Cardinals are going to have a chance at stopping Aldon Smith from breaking Michael Strahan's record, they better be praying that Nate Potter (ankle) will be healthy enough to play.

By Cody Ulm
Christian Petersen

The Arizona Cardinals are desperately hoping starting left tackle Nate Potter can overcome his ankle injury in time to prevent 49ers pass rusher Aldon Smith from breaking the NFL sack record Sunday.

Smith remains four sacks away from breaking Michael Strahan's incredible record of 22.5 sacks in a season but that number could conceivably be reached if the Cards are forced to throw the dreadful D'Anthony Batiste out there again.

Potter has not practiced all week but head coach Ken Whisenhunt did share that he believes it's possible for Potter to start even without many reps, according to Darren Urban.

Potter has been quite solid since becoming the team's blindside protector back in Week 9. Even on a bum ankle, it's pretty likely that he'd be able to hold his own against Smith to prevent the sack master from reaching the gaudy total of four sacks in one game.

Smith has only had one game with three or more sacks in his NFL career but it did come earlier this season when he compiled 5.5 against the Bears' equally awful line. But if Batiste draws the start, it's hard to bet against Smith to reach a number like that again.