SB Nation - Elliot Vallejo

ROTB Checks in with Former Arizona Cardinals Offensive Tackle Elliot Vallejo

Hawkwind — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:28 -0000

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Revenge of the Birds brings you another interview this week and this time the man under the microscope is former Arizona Cardinals' offensive tackle Elliot Vallejo. Vallejo dislocated his knee cap during the preseason and accepted an injury settlement shortly thereafter. Considering the uncertain future, not the mention the lackluster current, situation of the Cardinals offensive tackle position, this seemed like a great opportunity to check in with a guy who many considered the team's future at left tackle.

ROTB: First and foremost, what's the status of the knee/rehab? How close are you to 100% and/or "game ready?"

Elliot Vallejo: I feel ready to go. My left leg is not as explosive or strong as the other one yet, but I did very well in my work out with Browns. If I had to put a number on it, I would say I am about 82.5%.

ROTB: Secondly, I'm not sure that most of us understand the details of your injury settlement with the team. If I remember correctly you could be re-signed nine weeks into the season. Does that mean after the ninth game or literally nine weeks (aka eight games and a bye week)?

EV: Yes, nine weeks is correct and it does include the bye week. It is an NFL rule that the team who injured/waived you cannot resign you until six weeks after the settlement period. I had a settlement for three weeks into the season, so I cannot go back until week nine.

ROTB: Have you had any contact with Cardinals and what odds would you put on returning to the team this season? Odds for next season? Or care to break any contract news here on ROTB?

EV: The only contact I've had with the Cardinals is with the trainers and doctors. There have not been any talks of my return to the team this year, although there is a possibility of it happening. I'm not sure where I'll be next year, but I'm sure the Cards will offer to resign me the off season. I just have to put myself in the best situation possible wherever that may be.

ROTB: There seem to be quite a few teams with problems at left tackle, especially in the NFC West (the Niners and Hawks come to mind). Have you had private workouts with any other teams around the league and/or had any offers?

EV: I've only had one workout with the Browns last Thursday (11/5). It was a test workout for me to see where I was and if I was ready to play. I ended up doing very well and I thought the Browns were going to sign me. They have not made any o-line transactions, but they said I was at the top of their list.

ROTB: Lastly this is more of a schematic question, but over the past year and half or so we've spent quite a bit of time talking about the Cardinals pass protection. The biggest question always seems to be, why are the offensive tackles left on an island so often instead of given some help, either with a tight end or a RB. From your time with Whiz and Grimm, is this just their philosophy or is a case of just needing as many weapons in the pass pattern as possible? Do they just have that much confidence in Mike Gandy and Levi Brown?

EV: The team does have confidence in their tackles or they wouldn't out them on an island so often (or even get new ones). Change occurs when something is not working or at least not working well. The Cardinals love spread formations when passing because the amazing receiver core. There are plenty of plays and formations where the tackles can get help from a RB/TE/G, but if they're not necessary then they are not used consistently. Then, the most effective play can be called for the current situation. I can tell you that being left on island against a good pass rusher can be a daunting task at times, but you have to trust yourself.

Football on the pro level is VERY complex and few people truly understand what is actually going on in the game, unless you were part of creating the game plan for that particular opponent. I can tell you that is like a chess game though. There are a finite number moves your opponent can make and you always have to be a step ahead of your opponent.

Five Questions After the Arizona Cardinals Cut the Roster to 53

Hawkwind — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:21:04 -0000

More photos » by Ed Andrieski - AP

Jerheme Urban is one of seven wide receivers who made the Arizona Cardinals final 53 man roster. (AP Photo/ Ed Andrieski )

Browse more photos »

The Arizona Cardinals trimmed their roster to 53 players over the weekend and while there weren't any big-name players shown the door, there were some surprising moves. Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt has left open the possibility that a player or two from other team's cuts could be added but there shouldn't be any wholesale changes or significant players added any time soon. At most we might see a veteran presence brought in to shore up a weakness in depth but for the most part this is the team that will decide whether the 2009 Cardinals live up to their lofty expectations. In looking over the remaining 53 players, a handful of questions come to mind and the answers to these questions might just be the difference between another successful January or some early prep work for the NFL draft.

Why Seven Wide Receivers? - Seven wide receivers is a big number and there are two theories as to why they chose to keep that many. The first, and most likely, theory is that the coaching staff looked at their current wide outs and saw Anquan Boldin, Steve Breaston and Early Doucet all nursing various ailments. While none of the three are considered serious injuries, Boldin and Doucet do have a rather significant history with injuries and it's possible that they see Lance Long as a cheap but promising insurance policy. The fact that he offers something on special teams, most notably as a returner, certainly didn't hurt his case either. The second, and less likely although more juicy, theory revolves around the possibility of a trade. To make things a bit more complicated this theory has two parts with the most likely theory centering around a trade of Long, whom most thought the Chiefs would claim if he was exposed to waivers. Todd Haley is a fan of Long and the possibility of them giving up a sixth or seventh round pick doesn't seem all that far fetched. The second theory in this subset is again far less likely but the continued Boldin trade rumors simply won't die. It seems far to late for the Cardinals to still consider this an option, especially with Boldin's softer stance, but just know that the rumors are still out there. Of course the most likely of all of these scenarios is simply that the Cardinals thought that they were a better team with Lance Long than without.
Is there enough depth at linebacker? - One of the more surprising cuts was the release of Victor Hobson, a veteran capable of lining up at inside and outside linebacker. Of course it was more surprising given the lack of depth at his position as opposed to his performance on the field but his absence leaves the Cardinals with some very inexperienced backups at the linebacker position. It is conceivable that the Red Birds could enter the season with four backups who have never taken a regular season snap in a 3-4 defense. Bertrand Berry is the veteran of the group but he missed all of OTA's so his experience in this defense is limited to training camp and most view him as strictly a situational pass rusher. Ali Highsmith, a second year undrafted player, is undersized but has the most experience of the inside backers. Rookies Will Davis (6th round) and Reggie Walker (undrafted) comprise the rest of the depth but I think it's fair to say that they are not ready to start on Sundays. If a player is added to the roster this week, it will most likely be a veteran linebacker and they'll certainly add at least one more linebacker on the practice squad.

What happens if Adrian Wilson were to get injured? - While almost everyone who has ever donned Cardinals-red was glad to see Aaron Francisco shown the door, his absence does open a hole in the secondary. While we all knew his limitations, Francisco did at least bring a level of experience to the field that the remaining backup safeties can not boast. He had started just nine games over the past three years but with the way that the Cardinals use their safeties, he was on the field quite a bit with the nickel and dime packages. His responsibilities and playing time now fall to, most likely, Matt Ware. Ware has primarily been a special teams player but his best asset has always been his versatility as both a safety and corner. The interesting thing for Ware though will be if he gets exposed with the increase in playing time, the way that Francisco did over the past couple of seasons. Ware's ability to grasp his responsibilities as a safety could go a long way to determining just how successful this secondary is in 2009.
What happens when Ben Patrick returns? - As we all know, Patrick will return to the team after week four and at that point, someone will have to be cut in order to make room on the roster. As you might expect the Cardinals will have plenty of options, such as cutting a tight or carrying four, cutting a wide receiver or even trimming an offensive lineman off of the current group of nine. The most likely scenario would be cutting a tight end which would mean that the trio of Stephen Spach, Anthony Becht and Dominique Byrd are playing for their jobs for the next four weeks.
Where is the depth at left tackle? - While Oliver Ross wasn't a terribly enticing option as Mike Gandy's backup, Ross was the only player on the 80 man roster who had taken snaps at left tackle during the preseason. His name on the cut list means that the Cardinals are left without an experienced backup should Gandy go down and that should send chills up the blindside of Kurt Warner. Coach Whisenhunt has already stated that Levi Brown would flip over to left tackle if something were to happen and either Brandon Keith or Herman Johnson would step in at right tackle. Given Brown's struggles with speed rushers and Keith and/or Johnson's inexperience, the Cardinals would weaken themselves at two positions and likely leave KW as a sitting duck. I'm sure that the Cardinals would love to add a quality backup at left tackle (ala Elliot Vallejo) but left tackles who can hold their own on an NFL field are not unemployed for very long.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

How do you see these questions playing out and what questions would you ask when looking at the final roster?

Arizona Cardinals Top Ten Irreplaceable Players

Hawkwind — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:03:04 -0000

More photos » by David Zalubowski - AP

Kurt Warner and Tim Hightower are both among the top ten irreplaceable Arizona Cardinals but who else makes the cut? (AP Photo/ David Zalubowski )

Browse more photos »

The Arizona Cardinals are on the door step of the most important season in franchise history. Just nine months removed from the their first ever Super Bowl berth the team must deal with unprecedented pressure from expectations and the pressure that comes with playing as the hunted instead of the hunter. The Cardinals will no longer fly under the radar or be an overlooked opponent. Every week the opposing team will know that the reigning NFC Champion will be on the opposite sideline and every week that opponent will bring their 'A' game because of that fact. Another major challenge for the Cardinals will be staying healthy. The Red Birds were one of the healthier teams in the league in 2008 and the "law of averages" will tell you that they'll have a hard time repeating that for a second consecutive season. With all of that in mind, we'll take a look at the most irreplaceable players on the Arizona Cardinals roster. Factoring in depth and the dropoff in performance from starter to backup will help us put them in order from ten to one.

#10 - Lyle Sendlein: Sendlein struggled mightily at times during his first year as a starter but the third year player has looked quite impressive during the preseason despite facing three dominating nose tackles in Casey Hampton, Jamal Williams and B.J. Raji. Sendlein's value not only lies in his improved play but also in the value of the depth at center. Ben Claxton is expected to be his backup but Claxton is a 29 year old player with a grand total of two games worth of experience.

#9 -Tim Hightower or Chris Wells: Hightower and Wells are 'one in the same' for this exercise because losing either one for a significant period of time would put too much pressure on the other to shoulder the load by himself. The Cardinals want to run the ball more this year and they'll need both backs healthy and productive in order for them to accomplish their goal. Jason Wright and LaRod Stephens-Howling may find their way onto the field in third down situations but either one of them getting a significant number of carries will not a be a good sign.

#8 -Gerald Hayes - Hayes doesn't get the attention or praise that he should but when he's on the field all he does it make play after play. He won't lead Sportcenter's Top 10 on Sunday nights or earn a trip to the Pro Bowl but he's one of the quiet, dedicated, reliable 'worker ants' that every winning team needs. Over the past three seasons he hasn't missed a game and has averaged 93 tackles per year. His veteran leadership combined with the fact that the Cardinals have very little depth at inside linebacker make his presence irreplaceable.

#7 -Steve Breaston - You might be wondering why a third wide receiver is irreplaceable but it's Breaston's total package that the Cards would miss. First, Breaston the only receiver who can simply run by a corner on any given play and beat a defense with the deep ball. Second and more importantly is Breaston's role on special teams. As the primary punt returner and most likely the primary kick returner, his value to the team can not be measured. If he were to go down you'd have to bump up Jerheme Urban, who's a talented receiver but not near the threat that Breaston is, to the slot receiver and you'd probably see Antrel Rolle get the first crack at punt returner.

#6 -Kurt Warner - It goes without saying that Warner is vitally important to what the Cardinals do offensively and they simply wouldn't be the same team if he were to go down. He'd be higher on this list though if Matt Leinart hadn't have had such an impressive preseason. Still though Leinart is a different type of quarterback and the offense would have to become more ground-oriented if he was the starting quarterback. Simply put, the way this team is currently constructed Kurt Warner is the guy that we need under center.

#5 -Darnell Dockett - Nine-0, as he prefers to be called now, is not only the team's best defensive lineman but he's the only one capable of shooting through the offensive line and wreaking havoc in an opponents backfield on any given play. If he were to go down, Kenny Iwebema would have to step in and they are completely different types of players. Dockett is essential to what the Cardinals hope to accomplish up front and the Cardinals need him to not only pressure the quarterback and penetrate the line of scrimmage but also to stay healthy.

#4 - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie or Bryant McFadden - The combo of DRC and McFadden are essential not so much because of their talents, although neither of them is too shabby, but instead because of the lack of quality depth behind them. If either of the Cards starting corners were to go down they'd be forced to push Ralph Brown into the starting lineup and talented but extremely raw rookie Greg Toler into the nickel slot. Brown has plenty of veteran savvy that's allowed him to survive in the NFL for nine seasons but he's not starting material at this point and Toler has proven that he's not ready for significant snaps yet either.

#3 - Mike Gandy - By now you've probably looked down this list and you're wondering (or maybe screaming) how Gandy can make the list but Larry Fitzgerald's name is no where to be found. Gandy's status as an irreplaceable player has more to do with the lack of depth behind him than the actual quality of his play. His primary backup, Elliot Vallejo, has already be injured and subsequently cut. As a result the Cards are left with shuffling their offensive line completely if Gandy goes down. Coach Whiz has said that Levi Brown would move to left tackle and either Brandon Keith or Herman Johnson would step in at RT. Either way that plays out you'd have one player taking his first ever NFL snap at LT and one guy taking his first ever starting NFL snap. Any way that you slice it, the loss of Gandy would constitute a significant drop (at two positions) off from an already not spectacular quality of play.

#2 -Adrian Wilson - This one is pretty self explanatory, no one on this roster can do what Adrian Wilson does when he's on the football field. Against the pass he's capable of covering tight ends, backs and most receivers and also know for making game changing picks. Against the run he's basically another linebacker and his speed and instincts allow him to diagnose plays in a instant. Oh and he's quite possibly the most devastating blitzer on the team as well. If A-dub went down there would be some scrambling to fill his shoes and there are several possibilities. The Cards could move Matt Ware into the starting lineup or they could move Antrel Rolle over to strong safety and insert rookie Rashad Johnson in at free safety. Neither of those scenarios is particularly favorable.

#1 - Karlos Dansby - With the lack of depth at linebacker, Dansby had to headline this list. He's the leading tackler, the defensive signal caller and he's capable of punishing an offense in every way imaginable. He's strong enough to stuff a run up the middle, quick enough to shut down an outside sweep, fluid enough to drop into coverage and explosive enough to blow by opposing offensive lineman and pressure the quarterback. If Dansby were to go down the Cards would probably move Hayes into his spot and try to fill Hayes' spot with either Ali Highsmith or undrafted rookie Reggie Walker. Needless to say the Red Birds need Dansby to be healthy and productive in 2009.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Ok, now it's your turn. Am I crazy for not listing Fitz or Anquan Boldin? Who else did I leave off?

Arizona Cardinals News: Boldin Hurt, Vallejo Cut and David Holloway Returns

Hawkwind — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:53:12 -0000

The Arizona Cardinals had a busy day for a Wednesday towards the end of August. With their third preseason game on the horizon and starters expected to play most of, if not all of, the first half, the Cardinals face the daunting task of trying to play key players without getting them injured. One guy that they won't have to worry about this Friday is Anquan Boldin, who tweaked a hamstring in practice on Tuesday. Despite a late night MRI that revealed the injury wasn't serious, Boldin will not suit up against the Packers. With another couple of weeks before the games really start counting, the Cardinals will be cautious with Boldin and allow him to be 100% when the Niners come to town on September 13th. That wasn't the team's only news yesterday though...

After working out a DE/OLB a couple of days ago the Cardinals decided to bring back a familar face, David Holloway. Holloway was an undrafted free agent out of Maryland in 2007 and spent nearly the entire season of his rookie year on the practice squad (activated for last game but didn't play). He was cut by the Cardinals last August when they signed another linebacker, Brandon Moore. He's undersized (6'2 230) but athletic (4.72 forty, 32 bench reps) and, despite the change to a 3-4 defense, he still will have some familiarity with the system so his learning curve won't be as drastic as a complete outsider. He should get considerable playing time in the final preseason game.
To make room for Holloway the team cut ROTB-favorite Elliot Vallejo. Vallejo dislocated his knee cap a couple of weeks ago and was going to have a hard time being ready by the season opener. Vallejo, a promising young player, was slated to be the primary backup at left tackle this season and a future starter. It's very likely that he'll be signed by another team even before he's fully recovered (keep an eye on the Chiefs), but I'm sure that the Cardinals would resign him if he's still on the market.
The final note to this roster move leaves the team with 79 players, one under the minimum and Cody Brown has not been placed on injured reserve yet. Once that move is made, the team will only have to cut three players before the September 1st deadline.

Brian St. Pierredid return to practice yesterday, on a limited basis, but Whisenhunt said that he'd be reevaluated before Friday nights game.
One final note about Friday's game centers around the wide receiver spot. With Boldin and Breaston already ruled out, this game could be a huge chance for guys like Early Doucet, Lance Long Sean Morey and even Orea Jones. With eleven wide receivers on the roster right now, there have to be a handful of guys who already know that their best case scenario is to showcase themselves for other teams and with Q, Breaston and Garvin on the shelf, it is very likely a now or never scenario for some of the youngsters. This might also be our only chance to see Doucet or Long get extended play time against a starting defense.

Arizona Cardinals Weekly Flock: Beanie Wells Looks Great (In Practice)

Hawkwind — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:06:55 -0000

More photos » by Matt York - AP

Arizona Cardinals first-round draft pick Beanie Wells runs drills during training camp. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Browse more photos »

For the second consecutive day Chris "Beanie" Wells not only participated in a full practice but also impressed quite a few people in the process. While showing no signs of a gimpy ankle, Wells was explosive and fast during team drills and on several occasions was able to use his speed to get to the perimeter of the defense. It certainly sounds like Wells will see his first action of the preseason on Friday against the Packers and the return to action couldn't come soon enough. For the first time since his signing with the Cards, Beanie was reluctant to talk to the media and persistent questions about his ankle led to short, quick, frustrated answers.

"I'm back to where I was before," the optimistic Wells said. "I'm just going to keep saying my prayers and keep working hard."

The rest of the injury report is pretty much the same (Ali Highsmith, Elliot Vallejo and Keilen Dykes) all missing practice and for the past two days Brian St. Pierre has also been sidelined with a bad back. His status for Friday's game doesn't seem to be in doubt at this point though.
The team also worked out a DE/OLB yesterday, Angelo Craig. Craig, a former Cincinatti Bearcat, was selected by the Bengals in the seventh round of last year's draft but was cut before the season started. He spent time on the Panthers and Patriots practice squad. He's got good size (6-4, 250) but is considered a marginal athlete and didn't become a starter in college until his senior season. Ken Whisenhunt noted that the team will continue to work out a couple of players in hopes of signing one before the final preseason game (when veterans play very little if at all). It's worth noting that the first 'cut down day' is September 1st so the team will have to cut five players in order to get down to the maximum number of 75, but moving Cody Brown to IR and not signing someone else would mean that they only have to cut four.
In a final bit of injury news, Kurt Warner has said that he's feeling much better about his surgically repaired hip.

"I feel probably twice as good as I felt at any point since I injured my hip," he said. "It's exciting for me that I'm seeing strides being made. I'm feeling more comfortable, and I don't have to worry about trying to manage the pain. I'm definitely feeling better than I have in a long time."

Arizona Cardinals Training Camp: Beanie Limited in Practice; Questionable Against Chargers

Hawkwind — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:29:52 -0000

The Arizona Cardinals training camp is one short walk-through practice from becoming a thing of the past. The final full practice of camp was yesterday afternoon and Chris Wells, after 'tweaking' his ankle on Tuesday, was limited to individual drills. Once the team portion of practice started, Wells moved to another field to continue rehab work on his nagging ankle. Whether or not Beanie plays against the Chargers will depend on how he holds up through the remaining practices of the week. Considering the extremely tame nature of the remaining practices, I'd expect Beanie to take some snaps unless he tweaks the ankle again during pre-game warmups.

Also limited in practice yesterday were Early Doucet (shoulder) and Bryant McFadden (ankle). Others missing practice entirely, due to injury, included Ali Highsmith (ankle), Elliot Vallejo (dislocated kneecap), Keilen Dykes (quad) and Will Davis (left ankle sprain) with Davis being the only new injury. Gerald Hayes and Darnell Dockett were also missed practice while attending to seperate family issues.

Arizona Cardinals Training Camp: Beanie Tweaks Ankle (Again) and Dennis Keyes Is Gone

Hawkwind — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:54:22 -0000

More photos » by Keith Srakocic - AP

Pittsburgh Steelers' Keenan Lewis, right, and Ryan Mundy, left, knock the ball loose from Arizona Cardinals' Antrelle Rolle, center, for a fumble on a punt return in the first quarter of the NFL preseason football game.(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Browse more photos »

Despite yesterday being the annual movie day (the morning practice was canceled) for the Arizona Cardinals, there was still quite a bit of news coming out of NFC Champ Camp. The biggest, and worst, news is that Chris Wells 'tweaked' the same ankle that he sprained a couple of weeks ago and could not finish practice. The re-injury happened on a running play when Darnell Dockett knifed into the backfield and, even though Wells said that he felt minimal pain at the time, he was unable to run a short flare route just a few plays later. On the play he was Warner's hot read and after a couple of labored steps, Beanie slowed to a walk and watched the rest of the practice from the sidelines. He insisted after practice that he hopes to ready for Saturday's game against the Chargers, but given his short amount of practice time and the obvious weakness in that ankle, it seems like hope may be all that he has at this point.

In other injury news there were three new additions to the 'walking wounded' group. Bryant McFadden, Bryan Robinson and Ali Highsmith watched yesterday's practice and while none of the three injuries are considered serious, Highsmith was wearing a walking boot. Keilen Dykes and Elliot Vallejo still remain sidelined and Michael Ray Garvin is expected to undergo surgery on his knee either today or tomorrow. Gerald Hayes also missed practice but his absence was excused for a family issue.
One name that you won't find on the injury report any more is Dennis Keyes and that's because he was officially put on the injured/waved list. To fill Keyes' spot on the roster and add another warm body to the suddenly thin corps at wide receiver, the team signed Steve Sanders. After being undrafted in 2006, Sanders spent the next three seasons with the Browns bouncing back and forth between their active roster and practice squad. He appeared in five regular season games last year for the Lions, catching one pass, but finished the season on the practice squad. The Lions signed him to a futures contract in January but then cut him in May. Sanders resurfaced when he was drafted by the New York Sentinels (United Football League) and he signed with them on August 5th. Sanders has good size (6-3, 201) but we all know that the odds are very long for any receiver on this team.
In case you were worried about Antrel Rolle's ability to hold onto the ball on punt returns, maybe he has a legitimate excuse. In his latest blog entry, Rolle blames the use of a thick Japanese Cherry Blossom lotion that he uses on his arms to keep him warm and loose during games. Apparently he forgot that he was returning punts until after he used the lotion so we'll see if he's more careful with the ball once he ditches the lotion.

Fielding punts, in the abcense of Breaston and Garvin, were Lance Long and Rolle. Any way that Long can find to contribute on special teams would greatly help his chances of making the squad.
At least for last night's practice LaRod Stephens-Howling was running as the team's third down back, ahead of Jason Wright. It's unknown if he's actually jumped Wright on the depth chart but his ability to pick up a blitzer will be very key. LSH was impressive against the Steelers and this might just be a new battle developing.
Alan Branch has mentioned to reporters that the coaching staff has talked about letting him get some snaps at defensive end if he continues to lose weight. While some would argue that giving an underachieving player more responsibility doesn't make much sense, I'd argue that this is a sign that the team might be giving up on him as a nose tackle. Defensive end is a much less demandning position in a 3-4 defense and he'd have a better chance to be successful, especially at his size, in a position that is less demanding.
In the tight end race, Leonard Pope seems to be losing ground. Many reported that Pope short-armed a pass from Leinart on the fourth down attempt against the Steelers when the ball was thrown high and Pope failed to go up for the ball with any authority. Whether or not Pope got 'alligator arms' on a high pass because he was scared of taking a big hit, the fact remains that Pope hasn't been impressing very many people in practice recently and he'll need to improve in order keep a spot on the 53 man roster.

Arizona Cardinals Training Camp: Beanie Wells Returns to Practice, Breaston Injures Knee

Hawkwind — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:08:37 -0000

More photos » by Ross D. Franklin - AP

Arizona Cardinals' Beanie Wells (26) tosses the football during afternoon practice at Cardinals training camp. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Browse more photos »

The Arizona Cardinals were back on the practice field this weekend and today marks the final week of their time in Flagstaff (yea, that's right just four more days of training camp). The biggest news of the weekend was that Chris Wells rejoined his team mates on the field, although his practice reps were limited. He joked with reporters after the practice that he'd talk to Whiz about getting more reps but the bottom line is that his ankle feels close to 100%. The only time that the ankle gave him any problems was at the end of sprints while he was slowing down, but attributed that to not being warm after standing on the sidelines for a bit. As long as he doesn't miss any more practice time (five practices in the next four days) or have any other setbacks, Beanie should suit up against the Chargers. Wells wasn't the only player who returned to the practice though as tight end Anthony Becht finally returned. Unfortunately though the law of averages was in full effect because the Cardinals had to add two new names to the injury report, Steve Breaston and Dennis Keyes.

Breaston sprained his PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) and had a bone bruise on his right knee, but his official status is day-to-day. Coach Whiz did add that he wouldn't rule him out of playing Saturday against San Diego and that the amount of swelling will be key.
Keyes' has some sort of right calf strain that Whiz is calling an injury that keep him out a week or two.
The rest of the injury report is pretty much the same with Keilen Dykes (quad strain) and Elliot Vallejo (dislocated knee) still at least a couple of weeks away from returning. Early Doucet also has not returned to practice yet but he's hopeful that his return is eminent. He's still saying that he expects to play this Saturday.

The team has just one afternoon practice today.

Arizona Cardinals versus the Pittsburgh Steelers: Examining the Initial Depth Chart

Hawkwind — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:41:06 -0000

More photos » by Ross D. Franklin - AP

Arizona Cardinals' Bill Davis, left, talks with Darnell Dockett during morning practice at Cardinals training camp Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009, in Flagstaff, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Browse more photos »

The first preseason game of the year doesn't mean very much to the football world outside of a select few of crazed fans who have been salivating over the thought of real football for going on six months. One of the things that the first preseason game of the year does provide though is the first look at an 'official' depth chart and the Arizona Cardinals put out their first chart yesterday. Now word to the wise, Whisenhunt doesn't like to tweak the chart prior to the first game so he basically inserts each rookie's name at the bottom and leaves most of the rest unchanged. Thanks to a change in defensive philosophy though (or at least a continued shift towards a 3-4), there are some changes on the defensive side of the ball. With a quick look at how this current roster plays out on paper, here's a quick analysis of the depth chart.

Offense

QB -- Kurt Warner, Matt Leinart, Brian St. Pierre, Tyler Palko

RB -- Tim Hightower, Chris Wells, Jason Wright, LaRod Stephens-Howling, Chris Vincent

FB -- Dan Kreider, Tim Castille, Reagan Maui'a

WR -- Larry Fitzgerald, Jerheme Urban, Sean Morey, Onrea Jones, Ed Gant

WR -- Anquan Boldin. Steve Breaston, Early Doucet, Lance Long, Michael Ray Garvin

TE -- Leonard Pope, Ben Patrick, Stephen Spach, Anthony Becht, Dominique Byrd

LT -- Mike Gandy, Elliot Vallejo, Brandon Pearce

LG -- Reggie Wells, Elton Brown, Carlton Medder

C -- Lyle Sendlein, Ben Claxton, Melvin Fowler

RG -- Deuce Lutui, Brandon Keith, Trevor Canfield

RT -- Levi Brown, Oliver Ross, Herman Johnson

Overall there aren't really any surprises on the offensive side of the ball, unless you didn't think Pope would be listed atop the tight end spot. There has been some shake-up on the offensive line with the injury to Vallejo though with Oliver Ross swinging over to left tackle and Brandon Keith taking snaps at right tackle.

Defense

DE -- Calais Campbell, Kenny Iwebema, Alex Field

NT -- Bryan Robinson, Gabe Watson, Alan Branch

DT -- Darnell Dockett, Keilen Dykes, Rodney Leisle

ROLB -- Chike Okeafor, Bertrand Berry, Will Davis

ILB -- Karlos Dansby, Victor Hobson, Pago Togafau

ILB -- Gerald Hayes, Ali Highsmith, Reggie Walker

LOLB -- Clark Haggans, Cody Brown, Chase Bullock

RCB -- Bryant McFadden, Ralph Brown, Wilrey Fontenot, Jameel Dowling

LCB -- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Michael Adams, Greg Toler

SS -- Adrian Wilson, Aaron Francisco, Keith Lewis

FS -- Antrel Rolle, Matt Ware, Dennis Keyes, Rashad Johnson

The interesting thing about the defensive chart is how they chose to describe their defensive line (yes that's not a typo). They've chosen to list only one defensive end, a nose tackle and a defensive tackle for some unknown reason. This is nothing more than a conspiracy theory on my part but if the organization cares at all about "NINE-O" (Dockett) making the Pro Bowl, it would make sense to list him as a tackle instead of an end. There aren't any major surprises at linebacker but it's interesting to see that Hobson is listed on the inside and Bullock is listed on the outside (after he worked primarily on the inside during OTA's). In the secondary, I wouldn't get worried about Toler and Rashad Johnson being listed at the bottom of the depth chart. As we said above, this is the "Whiz way" of handling rookies and we'll see how the chart get's tweaked as the preseason plays out.

Specialists

KR -- Steve Breaston, Michael Ray Garvin, LaRod Stephens-Howling

PR -- Steve Breaston, Antrel Rolle, Michael Ray Garvin

K -- Neil Rackers

P -- Ben Graham

LS -- Mike Leach

H -- Ben Graham, Sean Morey

There aren't really any suprises in the specialist department either. Garvin is clearly a return specialist and if he ends up on the final squad it'll be because he won the kick and/or punt return job.

Arizona Cardinals Weekly Flock: Preseason Opener Versus the Steelers Edition

Hawkwind — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:32:32 -0000

More photos » by Matt York - AP

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jerheme Urban (85) makes a catch as teammate Michael Adams (27) defends during training camp. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Browse more photos »

Not much news came out of yesterdays one practice other than Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt updating the injury situation and informing the media which guys were being ruled out for tomorrow's preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Those who were ruled out of action included Early Doucet (shoulder), Anthony Becht (hamstring), Elliot Vallejo (dislocated kneecap) and Keilen Dykes (quad strain). Whiz didn't rule out Beanie Wells (ankle sprain) but it would be a major surprise if he suits up. Wells did run sprints with the team on Monday but still had a noticeable limp and didn't practice yesterday. As for the Steelers injury report, head coach Mike Tomlin hasn't officially ruled anyone out of the game but two starters, center Justin Hartwig and guard Darnell Stapleton are not expected to play.

Here are some other stories leading up to this week's opener:

McFadden brings Steelers mentality - They say when you start your NFL career with a team such as the Pittsburgh Steelers , you are born into a fraternity that expects nothing but strength, accountability and an iron-fisted will to win. Ken Whisenhunt and the staff he brought with him have tried to instill that same feeling here. And in Whisenhunt's relatively brief time in the Valley, he has brought several players from the Steelers. One of the latest is cornerback Bryant McFadden, who helped Pittsburgh beat Arizona in Super Bowl XLIII in February. A starter for a good portion of the 2008 season for the Steelers, including the entire postseason, McFadden joined the Cardinals as a free agent, signing a two-year, $10 million deal in March.
Urban's game, role expand for Cards - On occasions when defensive backs find a way to glue themselves to Cardinals receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, Kurt Warner isn't afraid to still thread a pass in either player's direction because he knows they will fight for their space - and the ball - and make plays. But this year, Warner is confident he and the Cardinals will be able to double that trust issue because he's seeing the same playmaking ability in training camp from Steve Breaston and perhaps more surprisingly, Jerheme Urban. "Jerheme has had an outstanding camp," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. " . . . He's really stood up and has had as good a camp as anybody.

Cards' injuries not concerning yet - Ken Whisenhunt isn't overly concerned about the injuries, and neither are Wells, Boldin or Warner.

LaRod Stephens-Howling getting a chance - LaRod Stephens-Howling deflected talk about getting more reps because fellow rookie Beanie Wells was injured, or what kind of camp he has had. "I am looking for a job just like everyone out here," Stephens-Howling said. The Cards’ first seventh-round draft pick is one of the forgotten men of the offseason. A lingering hamstring injury kept him off the field a good portion of the voluntary workouts, and the smaller (5-foot-7, 185 pounds) running back hadn’t really shown much until camp. But he has caught the eye of camp observers and coach Ken Whisenhunt, who said he has been impressed with the man who up until now was best known in Cards’ circles for his emotional draft day conference call.

Tim Hightower is satisfied - Pro Bowls aren’t a lofty enough goal, nor is 1,000 yards rushing. Winning the Cardinals’ starting running back job over Beanie Wells, in Tim Hightower’s mind, has to be a given. Hightower’s ambition forces him to seek more.

NFC West talk with Sando, Miklasz - Mike Sando addresses the turnover in the Cardinals coaching staff and Whiz felt moved to make such drastic changes after the franchise's most successful season.

'DRC' looks to become consistent at cornerback - Arizona corner back Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie made plenty of big plays during his rookie year. As he prepares for his second NFL season, the Cardinals want Rodgers-Cromartie to pay more attention to the small ones. That means relying less on his dazzling speed and mastering techniques in practice. When it comes to pure exhilaration, learning proper footwork doesn't compare to the 99-yard interception return for a touchdown that Rodgers-Cromartie turned in last season. But the coaches say an improved practice regimen will help the 23-year-old Floridian turn his potential into consistent production at one of the game's most demanding positions

Current players who should and could be in Canton someday - Kurt Warner - Warner's case for enshrinement got considerably stronger last year, when he vaulted from the second spot on the depth chart to his third career Super Bowl. But even with two league MVP awards and a Super Bowl MVP trophy on the mantle, Warner's numbers need a little beefing up. Two more seasons with Larry Fitzgerald (and, for now, Anquan Boldin) should do the trick.

Handicapping wide-open NFC race - 7. Arizona Cardinals - I've got the 2008 NFC champions at the seventh spot on this list — one place too low to make it to the playoffs — for a reason. For starters, they were only 9-7 last year. Also, they've had plenty of turnover in the coaching staff. Perhaps most importantly, for the first time since Harry S. Truman was drinking beers in the back yard of the White House, every opponent will be gunning for the Cardinals. They'll be good, and they possibly could piece together a playoff run. But it's a stretch to assume based on what we know right now that they'll get back.