Six Cardinal starters miss Wednesday practice

Seven Cardinals, including six starters, missed Wednesday’s practice because of injuries.

“We’ll see how they all feel tomorrow (Thursday),” coach Bruce Arians said, “but some will be back and some won’t.”

Tight end Darren Fells (shoulder) and cornerback Jerraud Powers (hamstring) are not expected to play against the Browns on Sunday. It appears doubtful that outside linebacker Alex Okafor (calf) is going to play.

Receiver John Brown has played through hamstring injuries the last two weeks and missed Wednesday’s practice. There are indications the Cardinals are leaning toward holding him out this week.

“We’re trying to get him well instead of aggravating him,” Arians said.

Other starters who missed Wednesday’s practice were defensive tackle Frostee Rucker (quadriceps) and center Lyle Sendlein (ankle).

Receiver Brittan Golden (groin) also sat out, but said afterward his injury is not serious.

Cornerback Justin Bethel (foot), linebacker Deone Bucannon (elbow) and outside linebacker Dwight Freeney (finger) were limited.

Missing practice for the Browns because of injuries were quarterback Josh McCown (shoulder, ribs), tight end Rob Housler (hamstring), receiver Andrew Hawkins (concussion) and defensive back Jordan Poyer (shoulder).

Defensive back Tashaun Gipson (ankle), defensive back Joe Haden (concussion/finger) and linebacker Craig Robertson (ankle) were limited.

No shying away

The Cardinals won’t hesitate to throw at Haden. Not because they lack respect for Haden, but because it’s not Arians style to back down.

“We don’t go away from corners,” he said. “If the read takes you there, you throw it there and you win one-on-one. I don’t care if it’s Deion Sanders or whoever it is. Joe is a good player. You have to respect him. When you throw it, you better know where you’re throwing it.”

Palmer loves Cleveland

The Cleveland Chamber of Commerce might want to sign Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer as a spokesman. During his years in Cincinnati, Palmer grew found of playing in Cleveland.

"It’s a phenomenal stadium,” he said of FirstEnergy Field. “I love the bright orange seats with the silver. It’s just, aesthetically, a cool-looking stadium.

“With their fans, it doesn’t matter what time the game is kicked off. You look out of your hotel room in the morning, there is tailgating everywhere and all over downtown. All the way down there by that museum and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, all of that is just Dawg Pound and fans everywhere. It’s a great environment and one of the best places to play in the league.”

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