The Sports Xchange

TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona Cardinals linebacker Sean Weatherspoon was active against the Rams last Sunday but didn’t play. Weatherspoon was signed to be a starting inside linebacker and run the defense. But a hamstring injury in training camp set him back, and Kevin Minter took over the job.

Asked if Weatherspoon was going to get more playing time, head coach Bruce Arians said, “It’s going to be hard right now without an injury. Kevin (Minter) is playing pretty solid and that’s the same spot. Buc (Deone Bucannon) is playing pretty solid and he’s not coming out in nickel. It’s a situation where he’s missed too much time and those other guys have improved, so we have really nice depth.”

–Cornerback Patrick Peterson has yielded just 85 receiving yards this season. It’s a much better start than Peterson had last year, when he struggled and was the target of criticism.

“I think he just seems more energetic,” quarterback Carson Palmer said, “playing like every play is his last play. Practicing like this is his last practice. Very focused. He seems very determined. I think last year, some of the things that were said about him left a chip on his shoulder, and it shows.”

–Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has caught 30 passes for 432 yards and five touchdowns. All are career highs through four games. Dating back to 2008, the Lions’ Calvin Johnson and Fitzgerald have more receiving touchdowns than any other player. Johnson leads with 73 and Fitzgerald has 69.

Noets: Running back Andre Ellington (knee) is expected to play on Sunday after missing three games. Ellington isn’t likely to start against the Lions, but he will have a prominent role. … Wide receiver Michael Floyd (dislocated fingers) has completely recovered from the injury and is assuming a bigger role. Floyd had five catches against the Rams week and drew two pass interference calls. … Tight end Daniel Fells (hip) is missing practice time this week but coaches seem optimistic he will play on Sunday. A starter, Fells is the Cardinals’ best blocking tight end.