Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians told reporters Monday that he is leaning toward starting rookie Logan Thomas over Ryan Lindley at quarterback this week against the San Francisco 49ers.

Arians said he had not made a final decision and likely would go back to Lindley if Thomas struggled.

Lindley, making just his fifth career start, had a tough time against the Seattle Seahawks’ No. 1 defense Sunday night in a 35-6 loss. He completed just 18 of 44 passes for 216 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception, and he was sacked four times.

Arians used Thomas for one play vs. the Seahawks; the rookie threw incomplete as he was pressured by defensive end Cliff Avril.

The Cardinals (11-4) are already in the playoffs and are hopeful of getting back Drew Stanton for the postseason. Stanton suffered a sprained knee Dec. 12 at St. Louis and was inactive vs. the Seahawks, although he did practice on a limited basis on Thursday.

No. 1 QB Carson Palmer was lost for the season after suffering a torn ACL in the first meeting with the Rams in November.