TEMPE, Ariz. -- Arizona Cardinals running back J.J. Arrington was sidelined with a knee injury Thursday as the team practiced for the first time since winning the NFC championship last weekend.
Arrington, who became an increasingly important part of Arizona's offense during the season, was injured during the Cardinals' 32-25 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt was hopeful the extra time off would allow Arrington to be ready to play against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII.
"It's hard to rule anybody out for the Super Bowl," Whisenhunt said. "I would hope that he will progress rapidly as the week goes and get some good work in next week. I think the most important thing is that we don't rush it too much this week to make sure that we can push it next week to counterbalance."
Defensive end Travis LaBoy (biceps), defensive end Antonio Smith (knee) and punter Ben Graham (left groin) were limited in practice. LaBoy was injured during the first half against the Eagles and didn't return. Whisenhunt said earlier this week he didn't know if the injury was a strain or a tear.
Wide receiver Anquan Boldin went through a full practice and said his left hamstring didn't bother him at all. He sat out Arizona's divisional playoff victory at Carolina with a strained hamstring, but he played against Philadelphia.
The Cardinals have practices scheduled Friday and Saturday, then will take Sunday off before flying to Tampa on Monday.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
