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Cardinals running back Andre Ellington practiced on a limited basis Saturday, two days after suffering a foot injury, and coach Bruce Arians is optimistic Ellington will play Monday night against the Chargers.
Ellington is listed as questionable on the injury report, and his availability will be determined close to game time, Arians said.
"He practiced enough to let me see what I needed to see," Arians said Saturday.
Asked if that meant Ellington could play Monday, Arians replied: "Oh, there's no doubt."
Arians said there is no concern that Ellington's injury will be a long-term problem.
Ellington was not available for comment after practice.
Somers talks Ellington's injury status, impact on the team, and Jonathan Dwyer
The second-year running back left Thursday's practice after suffering, or aggravating, a foot injury. The injury is significant, according to NFL sources, and Ellington consulted with doctors on Thursday and Friday.
Ellington did not practice Friday and it's unknown how much he did Saturday.
Other injuries
Outside linebacker Alex Okafor (thigh) is the only Cardinal listed as out on the injury report.
Ellington, punter Dave Zastudil (left groin) and safety Tyrann Mathieu are listed as questionable.
Zastudil wasn't on the injury report until Saturday. If the Cardinals need a punter, they have a roster spot open. They released linebacker Desmond Bishop on Saturday.
Mathieu and nose tackle Ta'amu Alameda practiced all week, but that doesn't necessarily mean they will play on Sunday.
Both suffered knee injuries last December and returned to action midway through training camp.
The 348-pound Alameda needs to improve his conditioning, Arians said. "He runs on and off the field, gets out of gas real fast. That's a lot of ass to carry back and forth out there."
Mathieu's performance improved as the week progressed, Arians said.
For the Chargers, backup cornerback Chris Davis (ankle) is the only player listed as out. Tight end Antonio Gates popped up on the injury report Saturday with a hamstring problem. He is questionable, as are starting defensive tackle Sean Lissemore (ankle) and starting inside linebacker Manti Te'o (foot).
Down memory lane
Every season opener is special, Arians said, but his first as an assistant at Alabama under Bear Bryant was especially memorable.
The Tide won at LSU 24-7 in 1981, but it's the time before the game that Arians remembers fondly.
"They stopped our buses about a half-mile away," Arians said, "and we had to walk through that crowd. Coach Bryant loved it.
"We always walked the field (before the game) and he said, 'all right, guys, stay inside the numbers, they can't throw those bottles any further.' Mike the tiger was in the cage and Coach rolled up his (program) and stabbed Mike. The students went nuts. It was one of the best moments ever."
Roster move
Bishop was among a handful of veterans released by teams this weekend. A vested veteran's salary for the season becomes guaranteed if he's on the roster for the first game.