Former Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby (58) makes his most famous Arizona play, returning a fumble for a game-winning touchdown against the Packers in the playoffs after the 2009 season. Best friend Adrian Wilson (24) is in the background, current Card and former Packer Daryn Colledge (73) looks on.

Karlos Dansby and Adrian Wilson, close friends as they are, talk every day, even though they haven't been on the same team since 2009.

When the schedule came out that had Dansby's Dolphins visiting Wilson's Cardinals this season – Sunday, to be precise – "we've been going back and forth about this game ever since."

"I know (Adrian) is going to be talking trash the whole game, trying to get into my head the whole game but I'm not going to let that happen," Dansby said Wednesday on a conference call.

"He's a liar," Wilson said, shaking his head. "He's just trying to get some bulletin board material."

Dansby said his current Dolphins team is "more talented than I was ever in Arizona, as far as if you look at the stats, if you look at the players and the potential." The linebacker, of course, was on the 2008 Super Bowl team and on the 2009 team that won 10 games and a second division title. His current Dolphins are 1-2 with a rookie quarterback.

The boast brought a shrug from Wilson. "That's cool. That's Karlos for you. Karlos will say some outlandish things," Wilson said.

Wilson can't help but smile. He would've loved to have the linebacker remain in Arizona, but just as Wilson wanted desperately to remain a Cardinal for life, Dansby always seemed like he wanted to hit free agency and be wooed. He was, by the Dolphins, to the tune of a five-year, $43 million contract.

"Karlos was never the type to shy away from what he thought," Wilson said. "He's always going to say what's on his mind and he's always going to be there for his teammates. That's what you miss about the guy. He'll be there for you, regardless."

Coming back Sunday "is like old times," Dansby said. He said he's had a chance to check out the man who was drafted to be Dansby's replacement in 2010 (even getting Dansby's jersey number), Daryl Washington.

"He's a dynamic player, what more can I say about him," Dansby said. "He's very athletic, very fast. He reminds me of myself. They did a great job of getting the guy to fill that void."

Wilson said it wasn't a big deal to go against Dansby – With free agency, "that's what this game is" – although he did want it known that he still had to get Dansby 20 tickets. That left him shaking his head again.

"We knew this game was on the horizon and now it's coming to pass," Dansby said. "They're going to see how much I've advanced or took a step back, I guess. Whatever you want to call it."

SKELTON'S PROGRESS

Quarterback John Skelton said his ankle injury is "not quite there," but he is getting better and was limited in practice Wednesday. He said he was able to do some 11-on-11 work, and said he is feeling good in the pocket. Rolling out, however, gives him problems.

"The straight drop is fine, but that's not football," Skelton said.

As for the whole situation of getting hurt just after he earned the starting job – and with the possibility Kevin Kolb might not relinquish the role even after Skelton is ready – Skelton was realistic.

"It was a bad situation, but fortunately enough for our team Kevin was able to step in and he's done a great job," Skelton said. "All I can do is keep getting ready and stay in it mentally."

DOCKETT SITS OUT

Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett (hamstring) was one of five Cardinals who sat out practice Wednesday. Running back LaRod Stephens-Howling (hip) and fullback Anthony Sherman (hamstring) were among those out, on top of the trip to injured reserve for starting running back Beanie Wells.

The Sherman injury is compounded with a knee problem for tight end Jim Dray, who also serves as the backup fullback and who also sat out. It makes the signing of fullback Korey Hall make more sense. Tight end Todd Heap (knee) was also sitting.

Six other players were limited: Skelton, Wilson (ankle/groin), safety Rashad Johnson (hamstring), linebacker O'Brien Schofield (knee), guard Adam Snyder (elbow) and punter Dave Zastudil (right calf).

For the full injury report, click here.

For the Dolphins, starting running back Reggie Bush (knee) was unable to practice and his status for the game Sunday is very much in doubt.

"We'll see," Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said. "We'll take it one day at a time."