Tight end Jeremy Shockey (toe), receiver Lance Moore (ankle) and leading rusher Pierre Thomas (ribs) were all hampered by injuries down the stretch, but each is expected to play Sunday.:00hour
Facing an Arizona defense that gave up 500 yards on two occasions this season and let the Packers rack up 403 through the air :scared
New Orleans was 25th in total defense (357.8 yards per game) and 20th in points allowed (21.3), but scored eight touchdowns itself -- three by safety Darren Sharper. :0corn
Another potential playmaker, rookie cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, is expected to play despite a hamstring injury.
Boldin, who hurt his left ankle and knee in the regular-season finale against Green Bay, says he feels much better this week after sitting out the wild-card game and is optimistic he'll play. :00hour
Gerald Hayes, however, may not. Arizona's middle linebacker sprained his ankle Sunday and was wearing a walking boot this week, leaving his status in doubt. :scared :scared
Whether Hayes plays or not, the Cardinals' defense has plenty to work on.
"It's hard to say anything positive when you give up as many yards as we did on defense, not just the cornerbacks, but everybody," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "It goes back to doing a better job of tackling."
With Arizona's defense already tired and having only five days to rest, rookie running back Beanie Wells may play a bigger role against a Saints defense that allowed an average of 166.3 yards on the ground over the last three weeks.
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I hate it when it is this easy .