Injuries are starting to play a big role in what is happening with the Cardinals this season, and even though we are four days past the Cardinals' last game, General Manager Steve Keim still didn't gave anything concrete to say about guard Mike Iupati, who hurt his ankle against the 49ers. Keim, during his appearance on the "Doug and Wolf" show on Arizona Sports 98.7, said the Cardinals would find out more either later Monday or Tuesday if Iupati would miss any time, although it would not be a surprise if Iupati did miss at least the game against the Jets a week from today. The Cardinals, of course, will definitely be without their other starting guard, Evan Mathis, who went on injured reserve over the weekend. (Keim said there was still a chance Mathis could be the one player to come back off IR this season.)

As for quarterback Carson Palmer, Keim said he remains in the concussion protocol, but Keim said in his communication with Palmer he was encouraged and Palmer is "doing great by all indications."

The Cardinals don't return to the practice field until Wednesday, and have an extra day to prepare because of "Monday Night Football."

-- Keim said the win over the 49ers "certainly instilled some confidence" although there remain concerns, like yet another slow start on offense.

-- Losing Mathis cost the Cards a core player and strong leader, Keim acknowledged, but the Cardinals have some options. Earl Watford is expected to start in Mathis' absence, and if Iupati is down, John Wetzel will likely get the call. Keim praised John Wetzel for filling in for Iupati in San Francisco.

-- Overall, the offensive line played well, Keim said. Right tackle D.J. Humphries still has work to do in the passing game, but the GM really likes how Humphries is playing in the running game.

-- Keim felt backup QB Drew Stanton "played solid." He was hampered by a few dropped passes. As the backup, there is "no doubt we have a lot of confidence in him."

-- Keim echoed Bruce Arians about Michael Floyd's issues, calling it strictly inconsistency and a loss of confidence. "We know what kind of player Michael can be," Keim said. "When he gets hot, he can be a difference-maker for us."

-- Five games into the season, Keim remains optimistic. "I'm still confident it's going to be a special year."