Cardinals guard Jonathan Cooper, who hurt his knee against Seattle, will not be getting his job back from Ted Larsen.
Jonathan Cooper has recovered from the knee injury that sidelined him a couple of weeks ago, but he will not be getting his starting job back at right guard.
Coach Bruce Arians was blunt when saying Ted Larsen will remain in the starting lineup: "Ted's playing better."
Cooper was unavailable for comment after Arians' press conference.
Arians said Cooper was close to full strength. But while he insisted he still is bullish on Cooper's future, the Cardinals' opportunity to go deep in the postseason creates a more urgent scenario in which Larsen is better equipped.
"When you look at the offensive linemen coming out of college today, it's going to take them awhile to get at this level," Arians said. "(Jonathan) is tough, he's athletic, he's continuing to grow. Right now, we don't have time for the growth. Teddy has more experience and he's playing better.
"But I think he's going to be a heck of a player, just like D.J. (Humphries). D.J. has gotten so much better. But it's just not time."
Humphries is the Cardinals' 2015 No. 1 pick. Cooper was the team's No. 1 pick in 2013.
RUCKER, ELLINGTON, POWERS LIKELY TO MISS RAMS
While it isn't unexpected, Arians said running back Andre Ellington (turf toe), cornerback Jerraud Powers (calf) and
defensive tackle Frostee Rucker (ankle) are all likely to miss Sunday's game in St. Louis.
Defensive tackle Cory Redding (ankle) is getting better, Arians said, but he also missed practice Wednesday and his status remains unknown for Sunday.
Arians said Ellington is expected to see a foot specialist in Los Angeles to try and speed recovery. There is a chance Ellington could be back for the Thursday night game against the Vikings next week.
"(The toe) is going to be sore the rest of the year, but not as bad as his foot last year," Arians said about Ellington's season-long foot injury which he played through in 2014.
Wide receiver John Brown (hamstring), wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (hamstring), wide receiver Michael Floyd (hamstring), safety Tony Jefferson (thigh) and defensive tackle Ed Stinson (groin) were all limited.
For the Rams, tackle Andrew Donnal (knee), cornerback Trumaine Johnson (thigh), defensive end Robert Quinn (back) and kicker Greg Zuerlein (hip) didn't practice. Quarterback Case Keenum (concussion) was limited.
SIGNING WITH CARDINALS SUITS NEW CB WHITE
New cornerback Corey White was with the Cowboys this season until he was released a couple of weeks ago because he said he failed to wear a suit on the team charter. The Cardinals also wear coats and ties to away games, although Arians noted players can go casual on the flight home if the team wins.
Not that White is going to let it happen again.
"It's been hard, knowing (being cut) wasn't about performing bad on the field," said White, who said he already got one suit and has two more on the way.
"That won't be an issue again," he said. "Trust me."
Arians said with Powers likely out, both White and wide receiver-turned-cornerback Brittan Golden will dress and have a role against the Rams. White said he was prepared to play, and Golden also is optimistic he can be ready.
Arians said Golden is already used to playing bump-and-run, doing virtually the same thing playing gunner and vice on special teams blocking for punt returns and covering punts.
"It should be an easy transition," Arians said.
Arians added that when Powers returns, Golden will likely go back to playing receiver.
EXTRA POINTS
Cornerback Patrick Peterson was named the Cardinals' Walter Payton Man of the Year for his community service. Peterson will be publicly recognized by team president Michael Bidwill Thursday. …
San Francisco defensive tackle Quinton Dial was fined $17,363 for his roughing-the-passer penalty on Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer Sunday, a flag he and the 49ers disagreed was warranted. Dial told reporters he was appealing the fine. …
Arians said he will likely take David Johnson off kickoff returns now that Johnson will start at running back. He did not say who Johnson's replacement will be.
