Officially, Sam Bradford threw only one pass in his preseason Cardinals debut, although he did have a second attempt (and completion) wiped out on a penalty.
Either way, two throws isn't much in a game situation, especially for a quarterback who barely played a season ago. It was mostly handoff after handoff – although Bradford insisted Tuesday he doesn't really need to throw much more.
"Not really, to be honest," Bradford said. "We've still got a couple of preseason games left. We've talked all camp about coming out and establishing our physicality and being able to run the football. So to come out and do what we did, I think it's extremely encouraging just because it has been an emphasis.
"I don't think we could have had a better start than that."
Coach Steve Wilks said Bradford will play more Friday in New Orleans, and naturally get more chances in the passing game.
"We wanted to establish the tone up front as far as running the football (in the first game) and we did that," Wilks said.
Bradford, who after his brief appearance Saturday was held out of practice Monday, said "my body is in a great place." He added that the days off in camp – all planned ahead of time— were properly placed.
Bradford acknowledged that the "plan" to keep his knee healthy that has carried him through the offseason and camp will be modified for the regular season.
"In the next couple of weeks we'll talk more about what those (regular-season) weeks look like and what my preparation looks like and what it needs and what I feel like I need to do," Bradford said.
COLE GETS BRADFORD STAMP OF APPROVAL
The first game at starting center Mason Cole was brief, as he came out with the entire starting offensive line after the Cardinals' initial touchdown Saturday. That left Wilks wanting in terms of evaluation.
"To me, it's still early," Wilks said. "It wasn't a lot. I'm looking to get a great feel as we get into the next preseason game."
Bradford, however, said after a week of practice and a game, Cole has done a "great job."
"He didn't flinch the other night in the game," Bradford said. "All of his 'Mike (linebacker)' points were on point, he knew what he was doing. To see him take charge in that setting, I was happy to see that."
WIDE RECEIVER ADDED
The Cardinals signed undrafted rookie wide receiver Austin Wolf Tuesday. Wolf played at Akron in college. To make room on the roster, the team released wide receiver Rashad Ross.
BUTLER HURTING
Wide receiver Brice Butler, who left practice Monday, sat out Tuesday with foot soreness, Wilks said. The hope is that the rest will allow him to be ready to play Friday against the Saints.
Linebackers Deone Bucannon (knee) and Josh Bynes (neck) remained sidelined and Wilks said he awaits word when they can return. Safety A.J. Howard, who sat out practice Monday, was able to return Tuesday.
