Shipp released after 7 seasons with team

FLAGSTAFF - Marcel Shipp got crunched by too many numbers.

Shipp and safety Adrian Wilson were the longest-tenured Cardinal veterans (seven years), but Shipp had to compete with four other running backs in training camp, including fifth-round pick Tim Hightower, who was taking more snaps in practices behind Edgerrin James.

Boldin, Doucet won't play in Cardinals' preseason opener

Then there was Shipp's $1.75million salary.

So when the Cardinals wanted to add offensive lineman Jasper Harvey on Monday, the team released Shipp before the team's afternoon practice.

Shipp had been with the team since 2001, when he was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Massachusetts.

Shipp ran for 2,197 yards in his seven seasons, and led the team in rushing in 2003 and 2005. When the team signed James, Shipp became a steady performer in short-yardage and goal-line situations, as well as on returns.

"It's one of the toughest things I've ever had to do," Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said.

Shipp's agent, Brad Blank, said he's looked at depth charts and made a couple phone calls to NFL teams, but "encouraged Marcel to be patient."

Given Shipp's experience and versatility, Blank is confident he'll receive some calls back, especially when teams get through the first preseason games this weekend.

"I don't think it's any silver lining," Blank said of Shipp's seemingly good chance to continue his career outside Arizona, "but there's a future."

Shipp's versatility, work ethic and locker-room presence were praised earlier Monday by Whisenhunt, just a couple hours before Shipp's release was official.

Said Whisenhunt: "To me, when you talk about good pros, when you talk about good teammates, Marcel is at the top of the list on both of those."

BOLDIN, DOUCET OUT

Despite Sunday's much-needed reprieve following 11 consecutive camp days, Cardinals receivers Anquan Boldin and Early Doucet did not practice Monday and Whisenhunt said neither will play in Thursday's preseason opener against New Orleans.

Both wideouts have been hobbled by hamstring injuries for the past week, and while the pair did work on the side fields at Northern Arizona University, Whisenhunt said he didn't want Boldin to play without having had any repetitions in practice.

Whisenhunt also said that Doucet, the team's third-round draft pick out of LSU, is about a week away from a full recovery. He has impressed the team early in camp, though, and - barring a more severe injury - should have a roster spot wrapped up behind Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston.

WELCOME BACK, FAVRE

After he heard that Brett Favre will rejoin the Green Bay Packers, Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart revealed his admiration for the Super Bowl champion and three-time league MVP.

"He's my favorite player of all-time," Leinart said. "I actually told him that at the ESPY Awards a couple weeks back. It was pretty funny. He's someone I look up to, and the whole time I think he deserves to play no matter where he's going to be."

EXTRA POINTS

Whisenhunt said that decisions about playing time for Thursday night's game won't be discussed until a staff meeting tonight, and will then be ironed out Wednesday. How long the Cardinals decide to play their first- and second-team offensive lines will determine how much time the quarterbacks and skill-position players see. ...

Thursday's preseason opener at University of Phoenix Stadium is sold out, extending the team's streak of 21 consecutive home sellouts. ...

After being claimed on waivers last week, third-string center Pat Ross arrived in camp Monday and participated in practice.