Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson bears down on Bills quarterback Trent Edwards moments before delivering the hit that drew an NFL fine.
While being served with a $25,000 fine for his hit on Bills quarterback Trent Edwards, Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson was also told by the NFL via letter that future infractions could lead to "increased disciplinary action."
Wilson said that meant his next infraction will draw a one-game suspension and double the fine, to $50,000.
But when asked if he thought the threat would change his style of play, Wilson didn't even let the question finish before saying "No."
The league said Wilson unnecessarily drove Edwards into the ground. In the league's letter to Wilson, it was noted that Wilson was fined twice in 2007 – once for a late hit, once for a horse-collar tackle.
Wilson said he was fined $12,500 for his hit on Baltimore's Todd Heap last season.
The veteran said he wasn't upset and understood what the league was saying, but that he will appeal the fine.
"We'll see where it goes, but it's kind of hard to appeal something when you have 15 personal fouls in your career, numerous fines for hits like that. It's kind of reputation," Wilson said. "And also the thing that happened the week before (with Anquan Boldin’s injury).
"Anytime you have a quarterback on the ground, of course it is going to be questioned."
Coach Ken Whisenhunt said he understands why the league is emphasizing player safety. He also said football is "a contact game."
"I don't know if you can say, play it differently or coach them differently," Whisenhunt said. "I think you have to play the game."
Wilson chuckled when asked whether he thought the play should have drawn a fine.
"The league office said they deemed it a personal foul," Wilson said. "So if they deem it a personal foul, it doesn't matter what I think."
BOLDIN RULED OUT
Whisenhunt officially ruled wide receiver Anquan Boldin out for Sunday's game, no surprise given that Boldin had not practiced all week and is still recovering from surgery to repair facial bones.
"He's just not quite ready," Whisenhunt said.
The rest of the Cards' injury report remains lengthy but most look like they will be available Sunday. Tight end Ben Patrick (knee) didn't practice again and is listed as doubtful. But defensive end Bertrand Berry (groin), Wilson (hamstring), linebacker Clark Haggans (groin), tight end Jerame Tuman (hamstring) and cornerbacks Rod Hood and Eric Green (both have groin injuries) all practiced some and all are listed as questionable.
The Cowboys lost a third man in the secondary with safety Patrick Watkins (neck) ruled out. Already cornerback Terance Newman (abdomen) and safety Roy Williams (forearm) were not going to play. Starting guard Kyle Kosier (foot) will also miss the game for Dallas.
FIVE STILL SPECIAL
Rookie running back Tim Hightower already has five touchdowns, the most for a Cardinals' rookie since Ronald Moore had nine in 1993. Hightower also was the first rookie in franchise history to score in each of his first two games.
While Hightower is on pace to pass Moore's mark, he said every score remains special.
"It's special anytime you get to be on the field in the National Football League," Hightower said. "It will never get to the point where it's old. I hope I score more and more and we continue to win as much as we can. Each (touchdown) feels brand new, like the first one."
Contact Darren Urban at askdarren@cardinals.nfl.net. Posted 10/10/08. Updated 10/10/08.
