Kolb doesn’t have to practice in order to play Sunday

Kevin Kolb’s health is improving, that much is certain.

But he has yet to get back on the practice field for the
Cardinals, putting his status for Sunday’s game in
Philadelphia very much in doubt.

However, not making it to the practice field would not
automatically rule him out for Sunday, according to
Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt.

“I wouldn’t say that he has to, but I would like for him
to [practice],” Whisenhunt said. “It’s all going to be a
function of how much more he can do on his foot.

“He’s made good progress but we have to make sure that he
can still be able to drop and move.”

With Kolb it’s about physical limitations more than
mental ones, according to the coach, because whoever the
QB is Sunday needs to be able to move around in the pocket
against an Eagles defense that is as strong as it is fast.

In fact, speed is one of the things Whisenhunt is worried
most about.

“They’re a fast team,” he said. “You’ve got to understand
that they’re going to make some plays but you’ve just got
to stay disciplined and not go crazy and get so wrapped up
in them making a play that it affects how you operate your
scheme because what that does is lead to more plays, and
that’s when you get into a problem.”

Another thing that could pose a problem for the team,
simply, is playing on the road. The Cardinals have lost 11
straight away from University of Phoenix Stadium, and few
environments are as hostile as the one they — and
probably John Skelton — are set to face Sunday.

“You don’t ever know until you get in the heat of the
battle, but he certainly appears to be much better
prepared to handle that,” Whisenhunt said of Skelton.

Arizona Sports’ Kyndra de St. Aubin contributed to this
report

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