Linebacker John Abraham played 20 snaps in the opener, but is expected to be used more against the Lions.
When the Cardinals signed veteran linebacker John Abraham, they made it clear what they wanted him to do and that he would be coming in as a reserve.
Still, Abraham acknowledged it was "frustrating" playing just 20 plays in the opener in St. Louis, especially when getting pressure on quarterback Sam Bradford was an issue.
"You want to be on the field," Abraham said. "I'm getting used to my new role coming off the bench, trying to make the most that I can, trying to be a player when I am in there. I would definitely like to get more plays and they know that I can be a factor to help us win. Hopefully it can work for both sides."
Coach Bruce Arians said the Cardinals would like Abraham to play at least 30 snaps a game. Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles said the way the Rams' game played out dictated much of what happened with Abraham. St. Louis was forced into just 11 third downs – in the Rams' lone
second-half touchdown drive, St. Louis didn't face any third downs – and there were only a handful of second-down passing situations.
"He'll get more snaps this week," Bowles said.
Abraham was credited with one quarterback pressure in St. Louis, although with a history of double-digit sack seasons, it stands to reason Abraham should be able to help to increase the pass-rush going forward.
"We'll find out the hard way, just got to get me on the field," Abraham said. "They told me what they wanted from me when they first got here.
"I think if they could play the game over – and we know you can't do that – they would have stuck me in here and there more. It's a game we can learn from and hopefully build from. We won't take it as a negative thing."
FITZGERALD LIMITED AGAIN, SAYS HE'S "GOOD"
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was limited again in practice with his hamstring problem. In the open part of practice, Fitzgerald did very little. Not surprisingly, Fitzgerald didn't have much to say about his situation.
"I'm good," Fitzgerald said. "Never like to be on (the injury report). It's part of the game. Everything's good though."
Fitzgerald has only missed four games in his nine previous seasons, and none since Game 12 of the 2007 season. Three came in 2006 when he had a hamstring injury. The 2007 injury was a groin problem. If Fitzgerald was to sit out, the Cardinals would be down to three receivers on the roster – Andre Roberts, Michael Floyd and Jaron Brown – although they could elevate Kerry Taylor from the practice squad.
Tight end Rob Housler (ankle) sat out practice again and is not expected to play. Roberts (quadriceps) was upgraded to full practice. Linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (biceps) and running back Rashard Mendenhall (hamstring) were both limited again.
Linebacker John Abraham and defensive tackle Darnell Dockett were each added to the injury report with shoulder injuries but both practiced fully.
For the Lions, linebacker Ashlee Palmer (ankle) was added to the list after missing practice Thursday. Defensive tackle Jason Jones (knee) was upgraded to full practice, while the rest of the report stayed the same as Wednesday – including defensive tackle Nick Fairley sitting out with a bad shoulder.
FITZ VERSUS CALVIN JOHNSON
Arians called Lions wideout Calvin Johnson "the best receiver in the league." Fitzgerald, who would seem to have an argument himself, was asked about who he would choose.
"Calvin is the best," Fitzgerald said. "You look at his numbers. It is what it is."
ANOTHER SELLOUT AT UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX STADIUM
The game Sunday against the Lions is officially a sellout, making the Cardinals 76-for-76 in sellouts since moving to University of Phoenix Stadium.
The game will be televised live locally, on Fox 10.
