"Safety Kerry Rhodes is ready to play after missing two months because of a broken foot, but the Cardinals plan to ease the former starter back into action.

"I don't think it's fair to throw him back in there after being out a number of weeks," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "See how he handles it, and progress him as that goes."

Rhodes suffered the injury on Oct. 9 against the Vikings in Minnesota. He underwent surgery and was in a cast for several weeks.

He returned to practice on a limited basis last week, but was inactive against the 49ers. It was the eighth game Rhodes had missed.

Rhodes has participated fully in both practices this week.

Rashad Johnson replaced Rhodes in the starting lineup of the base defense. In passing situations, Richard Marshall moved from cornerback to free safety in Rhodes' absence."