Team news: Arizona Cardinals | Page 55

Sam Bradford went No. 1.

John Skelton went 154 picks later.

The Cardinals and the Rams each drafted a quarterback last April, ostensibly to groom them for the future. The plans for a first-round pick – especially the top guy in the entire draft – are different than a fifth-round selection, so it’s no surprise Bradford has been the starter for St. Louis all season while the Cards have kept Skelton far from actual game action.

And it isn’t going to change, with the struggling Cardinals playing host to Bradford and the Rams Sunday. Bradford will continue to make his case to be the future top quarterback in the NFC West. Skelton will wait.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt made that clear earlier this week by saying Skelton was unlikely to play this season, barring an injury, despite the Cards’ place in the standings. Veteran Derek Anderson remains the starter for now, and undrafted rookie Max Hall is still the backup and the man who would take over if Whisenhunt decided to pull the plug on Anderson.

Where does that leave Skelton? Learning.

Derek Anderson will remain the Cardinals' starting quarterback because he gives the team its best chance to win, coach Ken Whisenhunt said Tuesday morning.

Whisenhunt said he's sticking with Anderson because Anderson has been working hard and has improved over the past few weeks. "That's really what you look for," Whisenhunt said.

When asked if he had much choice, given that the backups are rookies Max Hall and John Skelton, Whisenhunt said: "Well, that's part of the decision process. That's what you have.

Colts RB Mike Hart (ankle questionable) did not practice Friday after taking full reps Thursday. Joseph Addai (neck doubtful) missed practice Friday after taking limited reps Thursday. Neither RB appears likely to play. Donald Brown will continue as the Colts lead back with Javarris James (knee questionable) continuing to be active in the short yardage and passing games.

Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai (neck) has been ruled out for tomorrow's game against the New England Patriots. Fellow running back Mike Hart (ankle) is also out.

Donald Brown and Javarris James will handle backfield duties for the Colts. Brown is a better bet for yardage and the stronger play of the two. James is a stronger touchdown threat. Don't count on big days from either player.

Colts RB Joseph Addai (neck questionable) did not practice Friday and is questionable for Sunday. Addai will likely be a game-time decision Sunday, but doesn't sound likely to play after getting in just one limited practice Thursday and then missing practice Friday. Mike Hart (ankle questionable) hasn't practiced all week and is also questionable, but seems even less likely to play. Donald Brown will likely get the start again with Javarris James seeing goal-line work. None of these guys should be trusted with so many wildcards in the mix and a 4PM kickoff.

Colts RBs Joseph Addai (neck doubtful) and Mike Hart (ankle questionable) did not practice Thursday. Neither is expected to play this week. Donald Brown will draw the start again with Javarris James getting some two-minute and goal line work.

Colts RBs Joseph Addai (neck) and Mike Hart (ankle) did not practice Thursday. Neither is expected to play this week. Donald Brown will draw the start again with Javarris James getting some two-minute and goal line work.

Colts RBs Joseph Addai (neck) and Mike Hart (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. Neither is expected to play this week. Donald Brown will draw the start again with Javarris James getting some two-minute and goal line work.

It was a full day's work for Indianapolis Colts running backs Donald Brown and Javarris James on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.

Yet it wasn't enough.

With leading rusher Joseph Addai and reserve Mike Hart back home in Indianapolis nursing injuries, the Colts leaned heavily on Brown and James. Brown rushed 15 times for 50 yards and added 47 yards on three receptions. James had 12 yards and two touchdowns on four carries.

"I'd rather have the win than the two touchdowns," James said after the Colts came up short against the Philadelphia Eagles 26-24. "When you don't win, nothing else matters."

The undrafted rookie is the first James to rush for two touchdowns in a game since cousin Edgerrin ran for two in a 45-37 win at Cincinnati on Nov. 20, 2005.

Brown was given his second career start, and held up. He missed the previous three games with a hamstring injury.

"It felt good out there. The leg feels good," Brown said. "It just wasn't enough. We didn't win."

Cardinals WR Steve Breaston (knee) was limited Wednesday. Breaston returned to action last week with a huge day, catching 8 of 11 targets for 147 yards. Expect him to play this week against the Vikings, but his production will be streaky with Derek Anderson (or Max Hall for that matter) under center.