Cardinals Thursday Practice Report

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

The Arizona Cardinals spent some of their practice time in the rain today. A steady drizzle hit the Cards about an hour into a two hour and 15 minute workout. But it didn’t stop injured defensive players Travis LaBoy and Antonio Smith, who both worked extensively. Running back J.J. Arrington did some offensive reps but was held out of special teams’ work at the end of practice to protect his knee.

For both yesterday’s and today’s practices, the Cards had defensive scout players wear the jersey numbers for Pittsburgh linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley, and safety Troy Polamalu. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt said the visual could help some of his players:

“It helps our receivers and Kurt (Warner) in order to identify defenses — where a certain defensive player shows up. You may have plays predicated off of that. Now, this is something we do all year on a weekly basis. I saw one thing this year before Tennessee played Pittsburgh — they had a player running around on the field with a big, long wig hanging out of his helmet to impersonate Troy.”

Just for the record, there were no wigs at this practice.

One possible cause for concern is the confidence of kicker Neil Rackers. He had a close call with the left upright in a special teams drill, bouncing a 37-yarder off the upright that went through for a good kick. Later, he barely snuck another one through from the same distance before drilling his last kick, a 42-yarder. OK, maybe there’s no need to be concerned.

Bottom line. Coach Whisenhunt said the team focused on what they were doing and had “really good work” again today.

Yesterday’s injury report remained unchanged — RB J.J. Arrington (knee), P Ben Graham (left groin), DE Travis LaBoy (biceps), and DE Antonio Smith (knee) were still listed as having limited participation in practice.

Thanks to fellow PFWA member John Czarnecki for today’s pool report.