FSH: WEEKLY ROUND-UP (PRE-SUPER BOWL WEEKEND)

January 31st, 2008 11:47am PST


WEEKLY ROUND-UP...


***James could see a lot of work...
.....the Cardinal's starting running back will likely see a lot of action on Sunday, not just in the run game. James has been an effective blocker throughout his career and against the Steeler's pass rush, he will be key picking up Woodley and Harrison on the edges.

***Ward returns to practice...
.....the Steeler's wide receiver Hines Ward completed his second full day of practice on Friday and appears ready for Sunday. He is officially listed as probable and will start Sunday wearing a brace to protect the sprained knee.

***Arrington will be questionable...
....the Cardinal's running back J.J. Arrington is listed as questionable for Sunday. Arrington is a primary receiving back and used to help spread the defense. If he sits, his absence could mean a more expanded role for rookie running back Tim Hightower.

***Big Ben is "fine" for Sunday...
....according to head coach Mike Tomlin, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is fine and should have no trouble playing in the Super Bowl. For the past week there has been quite a bit of scuttle-butt concerning x-rays taken on Ben's sore ribs. The injury does not appear to be serious and should not impact the quarterback's play.

***DRC likely to get the call...
.....the Cardinals are expected to shadow Santonio Holmes with cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. DRC has been a beast in lock-down mode throughout the playoffs. He has nine total passes defensed, including two picks in the post season to go along with his 15 total tackles.



WEEKLY PRACTICE NOTES
Notable players listed (included IDP)



***Friday Practice Report***
January 30, 2009

Arizona Cardinals
--RB J.J. Arrington (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 29.
--DE Travis LaBoy (biceps) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 29.
--DE Antonio D. Smith (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 29.
--P Ben Graham (groin) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 29.

Pittsburgh Steelers
--QB Ben Roethlisberger (rib, back) refused to comment on a report that he underwent an X-ray Wednesday, Jan. 28, on his rib. He said his ribs and back felt fine after the AFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 18, and that he did not have any complications from the injuries. Questions to Roethlisberger about the X-ray exam were omitted from the league's official daily transcripts later Thursday, Jan. 29.
--RB Rashard Mendenhall (shoulder) said his current goal is strengthening the muscles around his surgically repaired shoulder. He expects to be fully healthy by the team's offseason workouts. --WR Hines Ward (knee) fully participated in practice Thursday, Jan. 29.


***Thursday Practice Report***
January 29, 2009

Arizona Cardinals
--RB J.J. Arrington (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 29. --DE Travis LaBoy (biceps) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 29. --DE Antonio D. Smith (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 29. --P Ben Graham (groin) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 29.

Pittsburgh Steelers
--RB Rashard Mendenhall (shoulder) said his current goal is strengthening the muscles around his surgically repaired shoulder. He expects to be fully healthy by the team's offseason workouts. --WR Hines Ward (knee) fully participated in practice Thursday, Jan. 29.


***Wednesday Practice Report***
January 28, 2009

Arizona Cardinals
--RB J.J. Arrington (knee) was limited during practice Wednesday, Jan. 28. --DE Travis LaBoy (biceps) was limited during practice Wednesday, Jan. 28.--DE Antonio D. Smith (knee) was limited during practice Wednesday, Jan. 28. --P Ben Graham (groin) was limited during practice Wednesday, Jan. 28.

Pittsburgh Steelers
--WR Hines Ward: NFL.com reports Pittsburgh Steelers WR Hines Ward (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Jan. 28.



OFFICIAL INJURY REPORT
[Super Bowl Teams]

.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS vs. ARIZONA CARDINALS

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

Arizona Cardinals
PROBABLE DL Antonio D. Smith (knee)QUESTIONABLE RB J.J. Arrington (knee), P Ben Graham (groin), DL Travis LaBoy (biceps)INJURED RESERVE TE Stephen Spach (knee), C Al Johnson (knee)

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

Pittsburgh Steelers

PROBABLE WR Hines Ward (knee)INJURED RESERVE QB Charlie Batch (collarbone), RB Rashard Mendenhall (shoulder), OG Kendall Simmons (Achilles')

.

.