Cards' Sendlein confident heading into 2nd year

FLAGSTAFF -  For the sake of "team," differences between Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart and center Lyle Sendlein will be put aside.

Leinart seems fine with that, since Leinart and USC lost the 2006 national championship game to Sendlein's Texas Longhorns.

It's still a sore subject.

"I can't say much," Leinart said with a smile. "They got me. They got us. He's the only guy I can't talk to about that."

But he seems willing to forgive, especially since Sendlein will be the team's starting center for at least the next few weeks while starter Al Johnson recovers from knee surgery.

Fortunately for the Cardinals, Sendlein's been here before. As a rookie, the former Scottsdale Chaparral High standout filled in last year at left guard when Elton Brown was injured. He also was the starting center when Johnson hurt his knee during the season opener and missed 1 1/2 games.

"The hardest part is to earn the trust and accountability with your line guys," said Sendlein, who appeared in 12 games and made two starts in 2007. "I was fortunate enough to get playing time last year. I feel like they know I can do it and believe I can."

Because of his experience and versatility, the Cardinals wanted Sendlein to be their all-everything backup once again. Instead, he is their last line of protection at center ahead of rookies Hercules Satele and Pat Ross. He's also responsible for communicating protection schemes, recognizing blitzes, and, oh yes, making clean snaps.

"We call on the center to do a lot," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "As a young player in the league he's doing a good job with that. Having played last year in those games certainly helped him. He feels a lot more confident because of that, so we're lucky from that standpoint."

MEDDER TO MISS A MONTH

Backup guard Carlton Medder will miss at least four weeks after he suffered a small fracture in his elbow.

The injury occurred during a one-on-one drill with fellow lineman Kenny Iwebema during Monday afternoon's practice. He'll wear a splint for the next month before being evaluated and won't participate in any contact drills in the meantime.

Seventh-round draft choice Brandon Keith will move from his natural position of tackle to guard, but the Cardinals plan to stick with their current roster for Thursday's preseason opener against New Orleans.

MIC'D UP

The preliminary plan is to have linebackers Karlos Dansby and Matt Stewart wear ear pieces inside their helmets Thursday night for communication purposes. The Cardinals have tried out the NFL-approved technology during goal-line situations in camp.

"It's been a little different for defensive players because they've never experienced anything like that," Whisenhunt said. "It'll definitely be fun to see how it's handled and how it works."

EXTRA POINTS

Receiver Anquan Boldin (hamstring) took part in parts of the first 30 minutes of Tuesday afternoon's practice, but did not participate in team drills. ... Cornerback Rod Hood (foot) did not practice for a second consecutive day. ... Thursday's game at University of Phoenix Stadium is sold out, but will be broadcast locally on KTVK (Channel 3).