The Arizona Cardinals are bracing for their fourth starting quarterback of the season as they prepare for a Week 17 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers.
Coach Bruce Arians said at his press conference Monday that he is leaning toward starting rookie Logan Thomas on Sunday. He later said in a radio interview on KMVP-FM that the plan is to go with Thomas.
Arians gave himself wiggle room by promising to have a quick hook, which could extend to this week's practices if he doesn't see what he likes.
Although Ryan Lindley completed just 41 percent of his passes en route to six points in the loss to the Seahawks, Arians insists he still has faith in his Week 16 starter. Lindley just missed a few too many passes, and the coaching staff wants to get a longer look at Thomas.
"I think we need to find out what he can do," Arians said of Thomas, "for the future and the playoffs if it were to come to that. And that's my job to make sure we cover every base."
Arians acknowledged that top quarterback Drew Stanton had a minor setback with his knee sprain last week.
"If Drew were truly healthy, we would start him," Arians said. "But I don't see that happening Sunday."
There is optimism that Stanton will be ready for the playoffs, Arians added, "because he wants to be ready."
Quarterback isn't the only concern on offense. Arians also conceded that Larry Fitzgerald is "nowhere near" the form he showed prior to the No. 1 receiver's own knee sprain. Arians estimated Fitzgerald's health level at "70 percent."
Even with key players banged up, the Cardinals have no plans to rest their starters in the season finale.
"We are playing to win the game," Arians emphasized.
If the Cardinals lose at San Francisco, there is a good chance they will have to travel to the currently 11-4 Dallas Cowboys. If they win, it's more likely that they will draw the underwhelming NFC South champion.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast recaps every Week 16 game and breaks down the playoff picture. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
