Whisenhunt: Skelton not likely to play in New England

While he didn’t go as far as to name a starter at the conclusion of the Cardinals’ practice on Thursday, head coach Ken Whisenhunt didn’t seem too optimistic that John Skelton would be able to take the field this weekend against the Patriots in Foxboro.

“We still have time,” Whisenhunt told reporters. “But, it doesn’t look good for John [Skelton] being able to play.”

Skelton, who was named the team’s starting quarterback just two weeks ago, suffered a low ankle sprain after completing a 4th quarter pass in the Cardinals’ 20-16 win over the Seahawks in Week 1.

“He’s getting better,” said Whisenhunt on Skelton’s status. “He did some work today and a little bit with the rehab stuff. So, he is improving.”

After being taken off the field in a cart, Skelton was replaced by back-up quarterback Kevin Kolb, who promptly drove the Cardinals down the field and threw the eventual game-winning touchdown pass to Andre Roberts. On the day, Kolb finished with 66 yards on 6-of-8 passing.

Last season, Kolb began the year as the team’s starting quarterback, but a litany of injuries and poor play cut his season short. In just nine games, he threw for 1,955 yards with 9 TD and 8 INT. Before last Sunday’s late-game heroics, Kolb hadn’t played in a regular season game since Dec. 4 against the 49ers.

“Kevin had a very good week of practice and he played well[against the Seahawks],” said Whisenhunt.

If Kolb does get the start against the reigning AFC champions, it would be just the 17th time in his six-year career.

Arizona Sports’ Craig Grialou contributed to this report