News And Events

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Beanie Wells turned 24 Tuesday and his present was a return to the practice field.

The running back, who has been rehabbing from January right knee surgery, was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list and took part in the Cardinals’ morning walkthough at Missouri Western State University.

“All in the same day, heck yeah,” Wells said. “It’s a great birthday gift.”

Wells was not going to take part in the joint practice against the Kansas City Chiefs later in the afternoon. Wells, who gained more than 1,000 yards last season despite playing through the knee problem, will wear a knee brace that he says “helps.”

There is little question this will probably be a slow week, however. Wells said he is planning on making a game return Aug. 17 against Oakland, so Friday night’s game won’t be in the plans. Wells also said he expects to be limited this week, although he said it might have been different had the Cards not been going against the Chiefs.

“We’ll see,” coach Ken Whisenhunt said. “We are working him back in. It was important he gets back into the flow of the walkthroughs. That’s why he is off of PUP now. But we’re going to be conservative.”

Wells can deal with that. He was happy just to be a part of the team again, getting a couple of handoffs – even in a walkthrough – and making a cut or two. His first “carry” ended with Wells intentionally showing a burst as he got to the line, a move that didn’t go unnoticed by teammates as they “oohed” at the move.

Plus Wells doesn’t have to spend all this time with trainer Chad Cook anymore.

“They work you over there,” Wells said. “They work you harder than practice at times.”

KOLB GETS SOME WORK

Quarterback Kevin Kolb, who left Sunday’s game with a bruised muscle in the chest, took part in the walkthrough and was encouraged at being able to throw. But he was to be held out of team drills against the Chiefs later in the day.

“We’ll progress from there, hopefully,” Kolb said.

Whisenhunt said he still anticipates Kolb being able to play against the Chiefs. Kolb wouldn’t mind that, since his rough start against the Saints was forgettable.

“Obviously I’m not pleased with the way it started,” Kolb said. “That’s obvious. It didn’t feel like a game for me, four plays later getting banged up and I was out. I am looking forward to getting back out there and getting the rhythm of the game.”

SKELTON TO START

As expected, Whisenhunt is taking the rotating practices at starting quarterback and applying it to the games. So after Kolb started the opener, John Skelton will start Friday night against the Chiefs.

INJURY UPDATE

Fullback Jared Crank (neck), hurt against the Saints, flew back to Phoenix for further evaluation. Linebacker Paris Lenon (ankle) and tackle Bobby Massie (turf toe) were working to the side Tuesday.