Arizona quarterback Kevin Kolb practiced on a limited basis on Wednesday, testing his injured right foot with some football moves for the first time since he was injured three games ago.
Kolb said "gingerly" is a good word to describe how he moved during the workout. He has missed two games with a case of turf toe, a bone bruise and a significant sprain in his right foot. The injuries cause pain when Kolb plants to throw or tries to move around.
“That’s a big step for me, obviously,” Kolb said, according to the team's website. "It's frustrating. I didn't expect it to take this long."
Even with the step forward, Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said it was clear Kolb was still feeling some pain.
"He can move and do some things and other things bother him," Whisenhunt said. "We've got to make sure he can get through all the movements and be able to plant and throw and do all the movements, be able to get out of the pocket, that's the process."
NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported Tuesday that it is doubtful Kolb will return in time to face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
The start would then go to John Skelton, who has helped the team to two victories in Kolb's absence. Skelton, in his second NFL season, is 4-2 as a starter and his two fourth-quarter touchdown passes led the Cardinals to a 21-17 victory at Philadelphia Eagles.
Kolb praised Skelton's play, according to the team's website, and while he emphasized he has every intention of regaining his starting job when he is healthy, he's also putting the team first.
"That's the way you have to go about it, it's the way true professionals go about it, and that's the way I feel," Kolb said.
Notes: Tight ends Todd Heap (hamstring) and Rob Housler (groin), linebacker Joey Porter (knee), safety Kerry Rhodes (foot) and running back Beanie Wells (knee) all did not practice on Wednesday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
