Arizona Cardinals Could Be Without Larry Fitzgerald Against Niners

Oct 6, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) and Carolina Panthers safety Mike Mitchell (21) reach for a ball that falls incomplete during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

It was reported this morning that Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald could miss today’s game against the San Francisco 49’ers.  Fitzgerald, who has been nursing a hamstring injury most of the season, has been listed as questionable all week on the injury report.

Fitzgerald was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday this week, however went full in practice on Friday.  The though could be with the short week for the Cards this week since they have the Thursday night game at home against the Seattle Seahawks, that it would be ideal to rest him today in preparation for that game.  It should be interesting to see what the inactives list says here in a couple of hours.

If Fitzgerald can’t go, I would imagine the Cards would use running back Andre Ellington more in screen and short range passes as they’ve tried to incorporate all season on offense.  The absence of Fitz also most likely would create a double team on receiver Michael Floyd.  I could also see a heavier dose of running back Rashard Mendenhall as well.

It could also mean incorporating wide receiver Jaron Brown more into the offense as well.  Brown has good hands and speed and could be a guy that sneaks past the Niners defense for some good yardage.  Of course if Fitz does make a go of it, the Cards should work at doing a better job of targeting him more often.  If he is active, use him.