John

Skelton

Beat writer Kent Somers gets the feeling the Cardinals expects to have answer by Friday’s deadline for Kolb’s option. Between the concussion issues and underwhelming play in his debut season with Arizona, it was fair to wonder if the organization might cut ties even if they fail to land Manning. That’s apparently not going to be the case.

Kolb left the stadium with a walking boot on his right foot. He said he sustained the injury early in the game, but was able to play through it. For now, we’d expect Kolb to be fine for next week’s game against the Rams as minor turf toe issues can be managed fairly easily. His backup is John Skelton.

We know Kolb has a serious injury as he’s had this game circled ever since losing his starting job to Michael Vick last season. Erratic John Skelton will get the nod once again this week in this exceedingly difficult matchup. The Cards have to travel across the country off an emotional overtime win, the Eagles are in all-out desperation mode again and they still have the league’s No. 9 pass defense.

Kolb insists his foot has made a drastic improvement, indicating that last week was about getting the swelling down whereas this week is about rehabbing to get back on the field. Coach Ken Whisenhunt suggested Kolb could be active as John Skelton’s backup against the Eagles.

Barring a setback, Kolb should make his first start since Week 8. He’s been one of 2011’s bigger disappointments, but John Skelton’s play over the past weeks has left no doubt that Kolb remains the best quarterback on Arizona’s roster.

Skelton came on in relief of Kevin Kolb in the first quarter and was able to connect with Early Doucet on a one play, 60-yard scoring drive after consecutive three and outs and a turnover in his first three series. He was picked off twice, completed seven of his 19 completions to a different receiver, and posted a quarterback rating of 106.5. He is only expected remain the starter if Kolb is unable to play next week.

Arizona hasn’t confirmed Kolb is concussed, but are proceeding as if that’s the case. With backup John Skelton turning in a surprisingly strong relief outing against the 49ers’ elite defense Sunday, the 6-7 Cardinals won’t be under pressure to rush Kolb back for Week 15.

Kolb has been limited all week, leading beat writer Kent Somers to believe Skelton has taken the majority of the first-team reps. The Cardinals are still unsure how Kolb will respond to traveling via airplane to the Queen City.

Reliable beat writer Kent Somers suspected as much, and Schefter now has confirmation from a league source. Kevin Kolb (concussion) had increased his practice reps, but the Cardinals have yet to declare him fully healthy. This is welcome news for Larry Fitzgerald owners in fantasy’s Championship Week.

Skelton was brutal for three quarters, failing to cross midfield until the Bengals had built up a 23-0 lead in the final frame. His first four drop-backs included two sacks and an interception against a defense that came to play. Skelton came alive in the fourth quarter once again with a couple of big plays to Larry Fitzgerald, but ultimately ran out of time inside the Bengals’ 20-yard line. Out of the playoff race, the Cardinals could go back to Kevin Kolb for Week 17 versus Seattle.