Cornerback Jamell Fleming and receiver LaRon Byrd fight over a pass in the Red-White practice.
FLAGSTAFF – It was hard for coach Ken Whisenhunt not to feel his team was further along, but that was tempered after he watched his team's Red-White practice both live and then on a video breakdown.
The Cardinals are going to be playing in a game – the Hall of Fame game to kick off the NFL's preseason schedule in Canton, Ohio –in less than a week. Whisenhunt believes the Card will feel more comfortable by then, especially on offense. But until then, the Cards will go back over such things as the two-minute offense and the red-zone offense and try and clear away the issues that left them looking "sloppy" despite intensity last week.
"Players do a good job in practice but that's what happens when they know what's coming," Whisenhunt said. "When you throw them in there like it's going to be like Sunday, they didn't react very well."
Whisenhunt said he and his staff have yet to discuss how playing time will break down in the first preseason game, and he has yet to announce a starting quarterback. He did note that QBs Kevin Kolb and John Skelton looked more comfortable in the offense.
"One thing I did like, we didn't have issues calling the plays in the huddle as we have had in the past," Whisenhunt said. "And we called them in on the headset Saturday."
KOLB LEAVES WITH INJURY
Kolb left Monday's afternoon practice after defensive lineman David Carter accidentally kneed Kolb in the right thigh. Kolb, while limping, did walk off under his own power. His status is expected to updated Tuesday when Whisenhunt speaks to the media. The Cards do not have a practice Tuesday morning.
In good injury news, Whisenhunt said he thinks running back Beanie Wells, on the PUP list with his knee rehab, may practice some next week when the team works out in Kansas City.
SEATING FOR NIGHT PRACTICE LIMITED
The Cardinals will hold a night practice Wednesday at the newly refurbished Lumberjack Stadium on the campus of NAU. The new stadium, however, only has seating for 1,000 fans, and admission into the stadium will be limited to those 1,000.
Fans will still be welcome to watch in the areas surrounding the field outside of the chain-link fence at the stadium, although fans are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or portable seats.
The practice runs from 7:15-9:15 p.m.