Cardinals notebook: Leinart to take plenty of snaps vs. Saints

FLAGSTAFF —  Here is coach Ken Whisenhunt’s dream scenario for today’s preseason opener against New Orleans:

Zero turnovers, 50 points scored, zero points allowed and everyone plays.

In reality, Whisenhunt wants to see how far his Cardinals — and several players — have progressed in the past two weeks. But divvying up playing time will be a bit ad-lib.

Matt Leinart will start at quarterback, and the first-team offensive and defensive starters are likely to see 15-20 plays.

“Hopefully, we’ll get some good work out of them and have a couple good drives, and we can start looking at the younger guys,” Whisenhunt said.

As for Kurt Warner, unless the starting offensive line is still in the game — a move that will be determined by its own and the team’s success — Warner probably won’t play with the second-team unit.

“I want to make sure Matt gets a good number of plays so we can evaluate that because he hasn’t played since the fifth game of the season last year,” Whisenhunt said.

“If we do well, move the ball and decide to keep the line in there just a little bit longer, then Kurt will play. It’s really going to be dictated by how the game goes.”

In addition to the offensive line and receivers Steve Breaston, Jamaica Rector, Jerheme Urban and Lance Long vying for roster spots,

Whisenhunt also is eager to see how starters Chike Okeafor, Bertrand Berry and Adrian Wilson fare in their first game action since injuries derailed them in 2007.

ROLLE TO RETURN

It may or may not happen in today’s game, but the Cardinals plan to give safety Antrel Rolle a serious look as a kick returner.

That doesn’t mean Steve Breaston’s job as punt returner is in serious jeopardy, but Rolle has fielded kicks in practice during training camp.

After he returned two interceptions against Cincinnati last season (a third TD was nullified by a penalty), and three overall, coaches like the former cornerback’s ability in the open field.

“I’d like to look at him in that role and see what he can do,” Whisenhunt said.

The fact that Rolle switched positions and will be a starter in the secondary has no impact on the team’s decision whether to add special teams to his workload.

“Those are big-time plays in games that can really change the outcome,” Whisenhunt said. “I never look at it that way. You put your best guys back there because it’s the start of a series or change of possession, and field position is a big thing.”

HOOD HURTING

Whisenhunt said cornerback Roderick Hood has a slight contusion in his foot, but an MRI this week showed nothing serious. Hood has missed the last two practices but went through Wednesday’s walkthrough and will test his foot before today’s game.

“He’s going to try to play, he wants to play, but we have to make sure the soreness is out of there,” Whisenhunt said.