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The Arizona Cardinals scored 19 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to defeat the Houston Texans 19-16.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wonders if Jason Smith has moved closer to the Rams' starting lineup. With right guard Richie Incognito resting a sprained knee, coaches moved right tackle Adam Goldberg into Incognito's spot, clearing the way for Smith to play right tackle with the first-team unit in practice. Coats also provides injury updates.

Also from Coats: Rams receiver Laurent Robinson keeps making strides. Also, cornerback Jonathan Wade is getting some first-team reps at Tye Hill's expense.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams guard Jacob Bell is trying to make up lost ground following a concussion. Bell never saw what hit him against the Jets two weeks ago. He stayed in the game one more play, but teammates had to tell him which player to block. Bell: "And I'm practically blocking him with my eyes closed. They probably should've left me in there and seen what happened."

Jim Corbett of USA Today revisits Larry Fitzgerald's ambitions offseason. Corbett: "The only thing more impressive than Fitzgerald's remarkable postseason ascent was his ambitious offseason agenda. There's little concern about a post-Super Bowl letdown for the sixth-year wideout, who reinvented himself as a respected league-wide leader."

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals can clear two roster spots by placing Cody Brown and Pago Togafau on injured reserve. The team would then need to clear three roster spots to comply with the 75-man limit.

Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle sees little value in exhibition results, counter to 49ers coach Mike Singletary's stated position.

John Crumpacker of the San Francisco Chronicle breaks out positive aspects of the 49ers' performances while posting a 3-0 record during the exhibition season. The team has succeeded in forcing turnovers.

Also from Crumpacker: 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan says he expects first-round choice Michael Crabtree to sign at some point.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says Josh Morgan's hold on a starting job at receiver could be tenuous. Singletary: "He's still learning how to be a pro. At some point, the light's going to go on and he's going to take off." The 49ers' passing game hasn't made anyone but Arnaz Battle look good recently. Remember Jason Hill?

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says Andre Smith's signing in Cincinnati doesn't necessarily mean the 49ers are closer to signing Crabtree, the last unsigned draft choice. Maiocco: "The sides are no closer in principle, but ... it is another day closer to the beginning of the regular season. That's significant because a player without a contract starts to feel the pinch on his wallet once the regular season begins. Players get 1/17th of their base salaries every week during the regular season. So, Crabtree will only begin losing money when he's not collecting game checks."

Dan Brown of the San Jose Mercury News lists players who helped and hurt their standing in the 49ers' game against the Cowboys.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times takes a closer look at the Seahawks following their exhibition game at Kansas City. He notes: "Fullback Justin Griffith plays like the bushwhacking trailblazer the running game needs. Through one quarter Saturday, Julius Jones had carried five times for 15 yards behind starting fullback Owen Schmitt. Griffith entered in the second quarter, and Jones popped consecutive 8-yard runs, which isn't mind-blowing but certainly constituted improvement."

John Morgan of Field Gulls examines the interception Matt Hasselbeck threw early in the game against the Chiefs. Morgan: "Hasselbeck either didn't see (Mike) Vrabel or underestimated him."

Brian McIntyre of NorthwestFootball.net provides updated snap counts and information on personnel groupings for the Seahawks during the exhibition season.

Mike Salk of 710ESPN Seattle wants to see more from the Seahawks' Lofa Tatupu and Patrick Kerney. It's tough to know how to analyze these exhibition games. Some veteran players seem to pick their spots. I've noticed it when watching other teams in the NFC West as well. Singletary said he thought Nate Clements lost focus at times. 

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says Marvel Smith's expected retirement leaves the 49ers' offensive line worse off than it was when last season ended. Maiocco: "It is believed that the 49ers are holding out hope Smith will reconsider his decision and still be able to fill a role as a backup at both offensive tackle positions." The 49ers should be OK if Adam Snyder plays a full season. They would be in trouble if Barry Sims opened the regular season as a starter. With Sims starting Saturday night, the 49ers might need Vernon Davis to help protect.

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News says 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis grew up a Cowboys fan in a big way.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the first half was an "embarrassment" for the Cardinals against Green Bay. Coach Ken Whisenhunt: "Guys came in here and didn't really care about the game. Green Bay came in here on a mission, and that was to prove they were a good football team. They said publicly they thought this would be a good mark for them, because they thought we were a good football team, but we weren't a very good football team tonight."

Also from Somers: Beanie Wells' performance provided a rare bright spot for the Cardinals.

More from Somers: While Whisenhunt was close to seething, the Packers felt great about their performance. Somers: "After getting four sacks last week, the starting defense failed to get to Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. He had too much time to throw, completing 14 of 19 for 258 yards and three touchdowns. In one half."

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Whisenhunt was "extremely disappointed" in his team's performance. Urban: "The Cards' starting defense, which hadn't allowed a point, was run over in the first half, allowing a stunning 357 yards."

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune offers keys for the Seahawks heading into their game against the Chiefs. A little more from the running game would help.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times profiles Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. Said Monte Kiffin: "I knew he was going to be a coordinator, and someday a head coach. With some people, you can just feel it. He's outstanding."

Clare Farnsworth of Seahawks.com says the team expects its zone-blocking scheme to hit stride after six or seven games. Offensive cooridnator Greg Knapp: "It's the same transition I went through in Atlanta and the same transition I went through in Oakland. It's not going to happen as fast and as much as it was talked about. It will take -- I don't know -- five, six, seven games into the season before the guys finally get comfortable with it."

Greg Johns of seattlepi.com sizes up Michael Bennett's chances for earning a roster spot on the Seahawks' defensive line.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Kyle Boller's gritty play has earned respect from Rams teammates. The quarterback bounced up quickly following a crushing hit against the Bengals, then assured teammates the team was about to score. He was right. Guard Richie Incognito: "Oh, he's a tough kid. He popped right up. He got right back in the huddle and he kept going. It didn't even faze him. I would've taken a second to shake that bad boy off; he took it right on the chin."

Also from Thomas: a look at which players might earn spots on the Rams' 53-man roster. He places defensive tackle Hollis Thomas on the bubble.

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Jason Smith is taking small steps toward the Rams' starting lineup. Smith: "I never look at my draft status or what (outside) people think. I feel that I'm progressing at a steady pace."

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The Cardinals are hitting the "what to watch" items almost methodically Friday night, for better and worse. Rookie running back Beanie Wells has a 20-yard touchdown run against the Packers, but the Arizona defense has allowed 31 points and nearly 350 yards in the first half, with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and others giving up long pass plays, according to the Cardinals' radio team.

I'm looking forward to watching this one on NFL Network later Friday night. Arizona wanted its first-team defense to cut down on big pass plays allowed. The Packers' Aaron Rodgers has completed 13 of 17 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns. Officials are reviewing another potential touchdown pass while I type this.

Update: Packers are up 38-10 at halftime and it sounds like Rodgers-Cromartie is getting a wakeup call in this one. NFL Network is replaying this one at 1 a.m. ET.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Among the things I'll want to watch when the Cardinals face the Packers in their exhibition matchup Friday night:

• Warner in the red zone. The Cardinals haven't gotten much going on offense in the red zone. One or two touchdowns would suffice.
• Return game. LaRod Stephens-Howling has made a strong case on returns. Another long one would make it tougher for the Cardinals to settle on 53 without him.
• Matt Leinart. The No. 2 job is his, pretty much, but he could use another good game for the sake of perceptions.
• Beanie Wells. The first-round draft choice can make fans forget about a disappointing camp cut short by injury. One big play makes everything OK.
• Pass defense. The Cardinals have set out to reduce big pass plays allowed. If they allow any in this game, look for clues to see who might have been at fault.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

News that the NFL is temporarily changing rules to accommodate the Cowboys' stadium design flaws raised a question: What if, say, the Cardinals had made a similar design mistake?

The jokes and slights would be flowing. "Only the Cardinals ..."

But when you think about it, the Cardinals aren't suffering from such problems. While they play on a state-of-the-art retractable field in a beautiful stadium, the flagship Steelers have waded around in muck after high schools use their field regularly each week.

While the Cardinals have managed bruised egos, advancing to the Super Bowl despite Anquan Boldin's complaints, the Broncos, led by esteemed owner Pat Bowlen, lost a Pro Bowl quarterback in his prime. Almost before the door could hit Jay Cutler on the way out, the Broncos transitioned into crisis mode with their best remaining offensive player, Brandon Marshall.

A couple years ago, it was the Eagles, another front-line organization, asking star player Brian Westbrook to return a few million bucks after an accounting error paid him twice.

Imagine if the Cardinals entered into an eight-month naming-rights deal with Jimmy Buffett. The Dolphins, another premiere organization, did just that.

Only the Cardinals? Not so fast.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Four injury updates that, for a change, will not make NFC West fans wince:

• Beanie Wells, RB, Cardinals. The first-round choice was back at practice Monday after an ankle injury limited him or sidelined him entirely. Wells even looked "explosive and fast" during practice, coach Ken Whisenhunt said.
• Donnie Avery, WR, Rams. The Rams put their No. 1 receiver through individual drills at practice, an indication Avery is making progress in his recovery from a broken fourth metatarsal in his left foot. The bone has apparently healed enough for Avery to do some running and light cutting. The next step: How will Avery feel Tuesday?
  
• Ray McDonald, DE, 49ers. The team activated McDonald from the physically unable to perform list, adding depth to the defensive line.
• Marcus Trufant, CB, Seahawks. Coach Jim Mora expressed optimism Monday about Trufant's recovery from a back injury. Mora on KJR radio: "He is coming along pretty well. ... His rehab is ramped up this week." Will Trufant be ready for the opener? Mora: "I wouldn't rule it out."

The Rams are also hopeful Leonard Little's sprained knee was not a serious injury, although additional tests will say for sure.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The latest in our periodic spin around the NFC West radio dials:

49ers

KNBR680: Reporter Matt Barrows

Cardinals

ESPN Radio: Larry Fitzgerald

KTAR620: Reporter Kent Somers (Aug. 21)

Seahawks

710ESPN: Play-by-play man Steve Raible

KJR950: Radio analyst and Hall of Famer Warren Moon

KJR950: Coach Jim Mora

KJR950: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck

Rams

101ESPN: Reporter Jim Thomas.

As always, please leave links to additional audio in the comments section. I try to find it all.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Larry Zimmerman of sportsradiointerviews.com breaks down Larry Fitzgerald's recent interview with Scott Van Pelt of ESPN Radio. The highlight:

"I've never really been a guy to boast or make too much of myself. I was talking to Rod Woodson and he made a really valid point to me the other day. He was like, 'You just can't take yourself seriously.' At the end of the day, all I really do is catch a football. I'm not saving any lives. I'm not changing anything. I'm just catching a ball."

Sounds like a pretty good way to earn $40 million over four years.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Four injury situations to monitor early this week:

• Cody Brown, OLB, Cardinals: Arizona's second-round draft choice suffered a wrist injury in the second exhibition game. Brown's agent, Nate Haber, used his Twitter account to say Brown would miss his entire rookie season. Haber: "It appears to be a devastating, rare injury that will sideline him for his rookie season. He is staying strong in this tough time and will do everything he can to return stronger than before." The Cardinals hoped Brown's presence in the rotation would upgrade their pass rush.
• Adam Snyder, RT, 49ers. Snyder suffered injuries to his right knee and ankle during the second exhibition game. He was reportedly walking without a limp after the game. The 49ers expect to have MRI results Monday. Snyder has exceeded expectations this summer. Losing him for an extended period would set back the offensive line and force Marvel Smith into action.
• Jacob Bell, LG, Rams. Symptoms from a concussion suffered 10 days ago have not cleared, leaving Bell on the sideline until they do. The plan was for Bell to resume running this week, but those plans are on hold. "He still has some symptoms, so we're just going to kind of slow it down with him," coach Steve Spagnuolo said Sunday.
• Chris Spencer, C, Seahawks. The fifth-year center suffered an injury of unknown severity to his left quadriceps Saturday night. Spencer has played a full 16 games in two of the past three seasons, but injuries have periodically sidelined him during offseason practices and training camp. Max Unger or Steve Vallos could move into the lineup.

Earlier: Ten injuries to watch in the NFC West.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com thinks it's a good sign for the team that Kurt Warner sounds unconcerned about recent problems in the red zone. Urban: "Warner has never been one to shy away from voicing worries about issues so for him to say he felt as good in the second game as the first is a plus for the offense. You definitely get the sense, as a veteran offense, how much the key players just don't put much stock in these exhibitions."

Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic says Warner is proceeding as though rookie LaRod Stephens-Howling has already locked up a roster spot. Warner: "Obviously, he was very impressive and having a guy like that is something that's really going to help us. I look at him a lot like J.J. [Arrington] was for us last year. He was a game-changer and made a lot of big plays for us in critical situations. He's kind of a scat-back guy and LaRod can be that same guy who can give us a spark and make a big play every time he touches the ball. I think we'll see the same thing once we implement him into our offense a little bit more."

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams set aside a couple first-team practice snaps at both tackle spots for rookie Jason Smith. On the injury front: RB Kenneth Darby sat out with what is believed to be a slight knee sprain.

Also from Coats: Leonard Little has fresh legs, while Adam Carriker participated in individual drills for the first time since suffering an ankle injury.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams players, notably Oshiomogho Atogwe, think the defense will be improved this season, despite struggles in the most recent exhibition game. I was looking at the Rams' schedule Sunday and trying to find five or more victories. They need to win some division games.

Nick Wagoner of stlouisrams.com says the Rams will adjust their practice schedule now that training camp is over. Wagoner: "Hard work has certainly been the calling card of Camp [Steve] Spagnuolo. Beyond the hitting and tackling drills, the Rams had 14 two-a-day practices with at least 12 of those full padded practices that included live drills."

Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle says Glen Coffee's emergence makes it easier for the 49ers to forget about another rookie, Michael Crabtree. This is what often happens when non-quarterbacks fail to sign in time for camp. After a while, everyone forgets about them.

49ers linebacker Scott McKillop updates his team-sanctioned blog, noting that Joe Staley and David Baas tried to pull a phone prank on tight end Bear Pascoe.

John Crumpacker of the San Francisco Chronicle quotes 49ers coach Mike Singletary as saying he needs longer than most coaches to make decisions such as the one his team faces at quarterback. Shaun Hill or Alex Smith? Singletary: "Got to look at some more film. It takes me a little longer than other coaches. Attention to detail is key. That's the thing I'm always looking at. That's why it takes me longer."

Kevin Lynch of Niner Insider says the 49ers' receivers are not getting open. Lynch: "Over two games, Smith and Hill have completed one pass to a receiver that traveled over 10 yards in the air and that was Smith to Josh Morgan for a 14-yarder against the Broncos on a ball that should have been intercepted. While the receivers have potential, they're not getting open, and that includes the two days of practices against the Raiders."

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says the following young players stood out to Singletary against the Raiders: Reggie Smith, Scott McKillop, Carlos Thomas, Glen Coffee, Kory Sheets, Nate Davis and Chilo Rachal. 

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News says neither 49ers quarterback has made much of a case for the starting job. Brown: "After three minicamps, four organized team activities, three weeks of training camp and two exhibition games, the 49ers' quarterback competition remains unsettled."

Also from Brown: He thinks the 49ers need to end the drama by naming Hill their starter.

Greg Johns of seattlepi.com says Seahawks linebacker Will Herring impressed against the Broncos on Saturday night. Herring appears stronger and more decisive than in the past.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times looks at the good, bad and ugly from the Seahawks' most recent exhibition game. Three projected starters on the offensive line are out. Chris Spencer became the third. Walter Jones is already out and Mike Wahle had to retire.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com calls the Seahawks' Deon Butler a receiver who is fast, not a fast guy trying to play receiver.

John Morgan of Field Gulls didn't like what he saw from Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu during an encounter with Broncos running back Correll Buckhalter.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury-News says Glen Coffee's strong running performances this summer will not necessarily affect Frank Gore's playing time. Brown: "[Coach Mike] Singletary, though impressed by the rookie, has no appetite for a running backs controversy. He said that Coffee is not necessarily earning a bigger share of the workload for 2009 and that the kid's role remains the same -- to give Gore a rest on occasion."

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says the 49ers learned little about their quarterback situation Saturday night. On the offensive line, Marvel Smith replaced Adam Snyder at right tackle after Snyder suffered ankle and knee injuries. Maiocco: "Snyder appeared to be walking without any problems after the game, but Singletary said he would undergo an MRI examination."

Also from Maiocco: A play-by-play account of the 49ers in the first half of their game against the Raiders. Micheal Spurlock served as the third receiver early in the game.

More from Maiocco: The 49ers' quarterback debate is a lot nastier than the relationship between Alex Smith and Shaun Hill.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says Smith played better than Hill against the Raiders, though his 4.2 passer rating wouldn't say so. Barrows on Smith: "He showed good energy and urgency early on, which hasn't always been the case with Smith. The truth is that he wasn't helped out by his receivers. Both Vernon Davis and Josh Morgan missed catchable balls, and Morgan's miscue led to an interception."

More from Barrows: A play-by-play account of the 49ers in the first half. Anyone seen team president Jed York?

David Fucillo of Niners Nation didn't see much pass rush from the 49ers, one of several points he makes in a position-by-position review of the team.

Scott Kegley of 49ers.com says running back Michael Robinson rushed for 83 yards against Oakland in the third quarter alone.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic offers thoughts and observations following the Cardinals' game against the Chargers. Somers: "Five trips in the red zone. No touchdowns. Coach Ken Whisenhunt wasn't happy about it but he's not going to panic. But it would be nice if the first team scored a touchdown this preseason. The Cardinals have scored only one TD in the preseason, on a pass from Tyler Palko to Onrea Jones at Pittsburgh."

Also from Somers: "It was a rough night for the Cardinals quarterbacks. Starter Kurt Warner wasn't sharp and had a pass intercepted at the Chargers goal line. For the second consecutive game, [Brian] St. Pierre did nothing to threaten Matt Leinart's status as Warner's backup, completing 6 of 15 for 79 yards and no touchdowns."

Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals have become a hot commodity. Bickley: "This reborn franchise has done more than just join the party. These days, the Cardinals are the party."

Somers and Bob McManaman say the Cardinals' red zone offense has struggled.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Arizona's first-team defense played very well against the Chargers. Calais Campbell:  "We have the potential to be great. If we can just keep the team thing going, we will be fine." 

Also from Urban: LaRod Stephens-Howling might have earned a roster spot, but all was not good for the Cardinals against San Diego. Whisenhunt pointed to mitigating factors when asked about St. Pierre's performance at quarterback.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times offers a few Seahawks notes from their game against the Broncos. Deon Butler made a strong impression early as a receiver, but not as a kickoff returner.

John Morgan of Field Gulls singles out the following Seattle players as "winners" Saturday night: Nick Reed, Michael Bennett, Butler, Justin Forsett, Will Herring, Baraka Atkins, David Hawthorne, C.J. Wallace, Brandon Coutu and Jordan Babineaux.

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says the Seahawks' first-team defense struggled against the Broncos, getting pushed up and down the field. I had the same feeling, but the Broncos' overall rushing numbers were weak. Coach Jim Mora: "Our second unit came in and did a heck of a job. We just have to be more focused, we just have to play with more enthusiasm, more energy, we have to tackle better, we have to bring our feet when we tackle." I also suspect the Broncos' offense did a little more game-planning than usual in an attempt to get quarterback Kyle Orton on track following a three-interception showing last week.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says Matt Hasselbeck and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are starting to get in sync.

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch profiles Rams left tackle Alex Barron. Says teammate Chris Long: "I got to see some great left tackles last year, and I really do feel like Alex is a rising star in the league at that spot. I feel like this is going to be a breakout year for him, where people start to realize this is a premier left tackle."

Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch looks at the unforgiving nature of NFL
preseasons. Said Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis: "In college, I made it a point of learning everyone's name and becoming familiar with all my teammates. I wanted to know where they were from, what their brothers or sisters names were, because in college, you started camp with 100 guys and you ended camp with 100 guys. But here, you look around and you realize that there will be a lot of empty lockers around here in a few weeks."

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says falling behind 14-0 right away wasn't what the Rams wanted as they attempted to win back a skeptical fan base.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

It's getting tougher to see how the Cardinals could justify waiving seventh-round choice LaRod Stephens-Howling on the Sept. 5 cutdown to 53 players.

The rookie has two kickoff returns totaling 152 yards, including an 89-yarder, in the Cardinals' exhibition game against San Diego.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt was already wondering how the Cardinals might handle Stephens-Howling's roster status. I could see the Cardinals keeping only one fullback instead of two. They use three or more wide receivers frequently enough to get away with one fullback most of the time.

Stephens-Howling is showing signs he can fill the special-teams void created by J.J. Arrington's departure after last season.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The Cardinals already have four sacks in the first quarter-plus of their exhibition game against the Chargers. They gave up a big play -- something Arizona badly needs to limit this season -- but four players have sacks in this game.

Bryan Robinson, Calais Campbell, Darnell Dockett and Karlos Dansby have brought down Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers. How to improve the pass rush is one of the questions facing Arizona's defense this season.

Campbell in particular has played well for the Cardinals this summer, an important development after starter Antonio Smith left in free agency.

Cardinals eligible for practice squad Pos. Perceived Status Michael Adams DB Bubble Jameel Dowling DB Likely cut Wilrey Fontenot DB Likely cut Rashad Johnson DB Keeper Greg Toler DB Keeper Alex Field DL Likely cut Keilen Dykes DL Bubble Cody Brown LB Keeper Chase Bullock LB Likely cut Will Davis LB Bubble Ali Highsmith LB Bubble Pago Togafau LB Bubble Reggie Walker LB Likely cut Trevor Canfield OL Likely cut Ben Claxton OL Likely cut Herman Johnson OL Keeper Carlton Medder OL Likely cut Brandon Keith OL Keeper Brandon Pearce OL Likely cut Elliot Vallejo OL Bubble Tyler Palko QB Likely cut Brian St. Pierre QB Keeper LaRod Stephens-Howling RB Bubble Chris Vincent RB Likely cut Beanie Wells RB Keeper Early Doucet WR Keeper Ed Gant WR Likely cut Michael Ray Garvin WR Bubble Onrea Jones WR Likely cut Lance Long WR Bubble Steve Sanders WR Likely cut

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt's recent comments about LaRod Stephens-Howling highlight a subject likely to shape the team's plans for its practice squad.

What to do with a talented player who doesn't fit neatly into a general position, in this case, running back?

Stephens-Howling would be a prime candidate for the practice squad if the Cardinals did not initially make room for him on their 53-man roster. Specialist Michael Ray Garvin also could be a factor depending on how he recovers from knee surgery.

Quarterback Tyler Palko made an impression during the Cardinals' exhibition opener, but the team generally does not keep a quarterback on its practice squad. The need for an additional arm seems diminished with new quarterbacks coach Chris Miller sometimes throwing during practice.

Defensive end Keilen Dykes was making a strong push for a roster spot before suffering an injury. His status seems a bit less settled.

Receivers Onrea Jones and Lance Long could also be strong candidates for the practice squad if they do not land spots on the 53-man roster.

The chart shows all 31 current Cardinals players with eligibility, arranged by position.

NFL teams must reduce rosters from 80 to 75 players Sept. 1. They must reduce to 53 players Sept. 5. They can begin forming eight-man practice squads Sept. 6 at noon ET.

As the NFL puts it:

After 12 noon, New York ti
me, clubs may establish a practice squad of eight players by signing free agents who do not have an accrued season of free-agency credit or who were on the 45-player active list for less than nine regular-season games during their only accrued season(s). A player cannot participate on the practice squad for more than three seasons.