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May 20, 2008 - 2:28PM
Updated: May 21, 2008 - 12:52AM
Cards notebook: Boldin, Dockett absent from Cards' voluntary workout
Mike Tulumello, Tribune
Receiver Anquan Boldin and defensive tackle Darnell Dockett, two star players who want new contracts, were missing from the start of the Cardinals’ voluntary organized team activities on Tuesday.
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“I would be less than honest if I said I wasn’t disappointed that Anquan and Darnell aren’t here,” coach Ken Whisenhunt said. “But these (workouts) are voluntary. What it does is give us an opportunity to look at other guys.”
But he conceded that younger players can learn from more experienced players such as the two who are missing.
“I certainly think there’s some validity to that. Any time you have a good player, when he’s around your team he contributes not in just playing but in other areas ... even advice where he can help other players, especially younger players.
“That’s one of the reasons we want those guys here.”
Also, in tinkering with details of the team’s offense and defense, “There are things ... that come up that we learn from. When guys aren’t here, they miss those things.
“You try to catch up on it, but it’s never really the same.”
The Cardinals have negotiated with Boldin, who has three years left on his contract, but have been unable to reach an agreement.
General manager Rod Graves has indicated Boldin’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has asked for a trade, though Boldin said at the team’s minicamp he wants to stay with the Cardinals.
Dockett has four years left on his deal. The Cardinals have not negotiated with him.
Receiver Larry Fitzgerald said, “This is voluntary. When training camp starts in July, everybody will be participating. That’s what’s important.”
HEALTH UPDATE
Safety Adrian Wilson, who is coming off heel surgery, attended Tuesday, but he probably won’t participate in practices and drills.
“The biggest thing he’s doing is getting his strength back, not so much in the area he had surgery but the supporting muscles,” Whisenhunt said.
“He’s almost there.”
Also, center Al Johnson had arthroscopic knee surgery as a precaution after he experienced some swelling.
“We didn’t want to get into training camp and still have that be a problem,” Whisenhunt said. Johnson’s knee checked out as OK, he said.
Also sitting out the camp with injuries are receiver Jerheme Urban (foot) and tight end Leonard Pope (ankle).
Chike Okeafor, who missed last season with a biceps injury, wasn’t in attendance. Whisenhunt said the linebacker wanted to attend but had to deal with personal matters.
The workouts continue for four weeks.
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