Blogs

Housler, Sampson sitting vs. San Diego

Tight end Rob Housler (groin) and wide receiver DeMarco Sampson (hamstring), a pair of rookies who have impressed early, will not play tonight in the third preseason game against San Diego. Both got hurt during practice this past week. Quarterback John Skelton (ankle) also is sitting out, setting the stage for Rich Bartel to be the backup and possible playing time for newcomer Brodie Croyle.

Linebacker Brandon Sharpe (hamstring), safety Adrian Wilson (biceps) and cornerback Michael Adams (knee) are also sitting out for the Cards.

Cards bring back seven from PS

The Cardinals are bringing back seven of their eight practice squad players, signing them to “futures” contracts today (meaning they will be on the offseason roster once current deals expire March 4). The seven are:

• T Cliff Louis
• DL Jeremy Navarre
• G Tom Pestock
• LB Brandon Sharpe
• RB Alfonso Smith
• LB Pago Togafau
• WR Isaiah Williams

Doucet lands on IR

The season of wide receiver Early Doucet is over, after the Cardinals put him on injured reserve Wednesday with his hip injury. It’s been a tough year for Doucet, who suffered two similar injuries (he needed surgery to repair a sports hernia) and again couldn’t seem to stay on the field. Andre Roberts will take his place, and there is no doubt Stephen Williams will reappear on the radar the last couple of games. Doucet had 26 catches for 291 yards this season, which were still career-highs for the third-year pro.

The Cardinals promoted linebacker Curtis Gatewood from the practice squad to the active roster (which makes sense given the questionable status of linebacker Joey Porter) and have signed linebacker Brandon Sharpe to the practice squad.