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Despite Hand Injury, Josh Rosen Expected To Play Against Cowboys

Notes: Important game for veteran wideouts; kicker battle continues

QB Josh Rosen fires a touchdown pass against the Saints on Friday.
QB Josh Rosen fires a touchdown pass against the Saints on Friday.

Josh Rosen missed practice on Wednesday after hitting his throwing hand on a helmet Monday.

Coach Steve Wilks called it a "day-to-day" injury and didn't seem overly concerned with his rookie quarterback's absence. Rosen is coming off an impressive performance against the Saints in which he finished 10-of-16 for 107 yards and a touchdown.

The Cardinals' third preseason game is a "Sunday Night Football" affair against the Cowboys in Dallas.

"Our intentions are for him to play," Wilks said.

Rosen is expected to begin the regular season on the bench behind projected starter Sam Bradford, so the preseason could be his final live snaps for the foreseeable future. Wilks would like to see him on the field if able.

"You can never get enough reps, especially when you start talking about a young rookie quarterback," Wilks said. "It's day-to-day, and hopefully he's ready to go this weekend, because those reps are valuable."

CRUCIAL GAME FOR VETERAN WIDEOUTS

The wide receiver competition behind Larry Fitzgerald is still muddled, but youngsters Christian Kirk and Chad Williams made their case against New Orleans with standout play. Time is running out for the other candidates to make an impression, and Wilks would like to see Brice Butler and Greg Little make an impact against the Cowboys.

Butler missed the Saints game with a foot injury but is expected to play in Dallas.

 "I'm looking for him to step up," Wilks said. "He has an opportunity this week against his old team, so hopefully that sparks him a little bit. … Hopefully those two veterans can do something this weekend."

Little has one catch for six yards this preseason. Butler didn't catch a pass in limited work in the preseason opener against the Chargers.

Butler downplayed his return to Dallas after a less-than-amicable split, but realizes the importance of impressing the coaching staff as the season draws near.

"I know they're still kind of possibly making decisions on who and what," Butler said. "Even in practices, you don't want to be out there having bad practices. You can't go out there and not play well."

KICKER COMPETITION ONGOING

Rookie undrafted kicker Matt McCrane nailed a 53-yard field goal against the Saints. He has made both field goal attempts and his lone extra point try in the preseason. Veteran incumbent Phil Dawson has made each of his four extra point attempts and 1-of-2 field goals.

Wilks expressed confidence in both kickers on Wednesday.

"I talk competition all the time," Wilks said. "We know Phil is a seasoned vet. He's done a great job. Any time there is competition at any position, it's healthy. I like that, and Matt is doing a great job. He's been doing a good job since the spring, so we'll let those guys continue to battle it out."

Images of the junior cheerleaders during the Chargers' game

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