Running back Beanie Wells bursts upfield Sunday in San Diego.




Beanie Wells didn't expect such an uproar after he talked earlier this week about wanting the ball more often. He just wants to contribute.

But the running back and coach Ken Whisenhunt had their discussion after Wells' comments, and as far as Wells is concerned, "Coach understands where I was coming from."

That's what Whisenhunt said Wednesday, saying that he does realize Wells is frustrated.

"I think we're all frustrated with the way things have gone for us," Whisenhunt said. "Beanie is a good player. He feels like when we are not performing as well that he wants to help the team. It would have been my preference he would have talked to me about it before.

"Beanie and I have had discussions before this week about where he is and what the expectations are, but those things happen."

Wells ran the ball three straight times when he first entered Sunday's game and the Cards trailing 14-7. He gained seven yards on each of the first two carries and then lost two yards, leading to a pair of pass plays and then a punt. The Cards ran just three offensive plays after that before falling behind, 28-7.

Wells still didn't sound convinced his reasoning was wrong, but "I said some things I probably shouldn't have said and I think guys took it out of context and it is what it is."

With rookie Max Hall now starting at quarterback, the Cards would seem to need Beanie and the running game even more.

"The games we were in and we ran the football well and we were successful," Wells said. "I think the coaches and everyone around have a good idea of what we need to do to be a successful football team. I think this week, you will see us execute the game plan."

OFFENSIVE LINE'S RESPONSE


There were locker room raves for the offensive line, which apparently had its best practice of the season Wednesday.

"Without a doubt they were out there going hard, and I enjoyed it," Wells said.

Center Lyle Sendlein said there had been some "soul-searching" during film study among the line.

"It doesn't matter who is back there, if we don't block for the quarterback," Sendlein said. "You could put my grandmother back there and she wouldn't do well. Not saying she would do well if we did block for her. (But) she's pretty athletic."

WATCHING THE LINEUP


Whisenhunt had said the Cardinals could make changes aside from quarterback, but Wednesday, he wasn't making any announcements.

"There could be (more)," Whisenhunt said. "But we're going to get through this week and see how practice goes and how some of our guys are playing."

INJURY UPDATE


Four players – wide receivers Steve Breaston (knee) and Early Doucet (groin), defensive end Kenny Iwebema (knee) and safety Matt Ware (ankle) – sat out practice. Linebacker Paris Lenon (pelvis) was limited.

The Saints listed 19 players on their injury report. Four – running backs Reggie Bush (fibula) and Pierre Thomas (ankle), defensive end Will Smith (groin) and cornerback Tracy Porter (knee) – didn't practice. Limited were safeties Roman Harper (hamstring) and Pierson Prioleau (chest) and tight end Jeremy Shockey (knee).