Regardless of what Allen Iverson might think, practice is important. It's tended to determine which Browns running backs start or are even active all season long, and now it's determined the starting quarterback in Arizona, too.
After announcing Logan Thomas as the Arizona starter earlier in the week, Bruce Arians has apparently changed his mind after seeing Thomas in practice the last two days. It will instead be Ryan Lindley back behind center, leading the Cardinals in a somewhat important game at San Francisco.
Although unlikely, Seattle certainly could lose to the Rams this weekend. They lost to them at St. Louis earlier this season, after all. If that happens, the Cardinals could steal the NFC West and a first-round bye with a win at San Francisco. And it will be Lindley at quarterback.
Based on Lindley's play at Seattle last week, there's little reason to be optimistic about any of Arizona's skill position players. Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, the running back committee -- these guys don't really get a boost from the shift from Thomas. The defense isn't quite as good or motivated, that's about all you can say.
Other news and notes:
Steven Jackson (quad) didn't practice yesterday. Looking like it will be Devonta Freeman as the main running back in Atlanta's winner take all game against Carolina.
Julio Jones (hip) didn't practice either, but he's expected to play (and was pretty good last week while playing through the injury).
Joique Bell (Achilles) practiced fully for Detroit yesterday.
A.J. Green (arm) put in a limited practice; sounds like he'll be able to play in the AFC North title bout in Pittsburgh.
No Pierre Thomas (ribs) for New Orleans.
No Percy Harvin (ribs) for the Jets.
--Andy Richardson