Cardinals notebook: Wilson fined for hit on Bills QB

Adrian Wilson has been fined $25,000 for his hit on Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards, and he's been put on notice that any more such incidents could lead to a heavier fine or even a suspension.

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Wilson said Friday he will appeal the fine.

But he added, "It's kind of hard to appeal something when you've got 15 personal fouls in your career, and numerous fines for hits like that. It's kind of the reputation."

He also pointed out that a head-to-head hit the previous week on teammate Anquan Boldin has heightened awareness of player safety.

As for his hit on Edwards, for which he wasn't penalized, "When there's a quarterback on the ground like that, there's going to be questions."

Wilson said he got a "long explanation" on the league's position and what officials believe he did wrong. He indicated the next offense could result in a $50,000 fine and a one-game suspension.

"The league office deemed it a personal foul. If they deem it a personal foul, it doesn't matter what I think," Wilson said.

But asked if he would change the way he played, his response was an immediate, "No."

Coach Ken Whisenhunt said he understood the league's emphasis on player safety.

"It's a contact game; sometime's it's going to happen," even in cases like Wilson's where no penalty was called, Whisenhunt said. "From my discussions with Adrian, he was just trying to make a play. There was nothing about trying to injure a player."

Whisenhunt said he didn't think he could change the way he coached or played Wilson.

INJURY UPDATE

Terence Newman, the Cowboys' Pro Bowl cornerback, is out of action for Sunday's game with an abdomen problem. Safety Roy Williams is out with a forearm injury.

Also out for Dallas are guard Kyle Kosier (foot) and safety Patrick Watkins (neck).

For the Cardinals, Boldin, though his condition is improving, is out this week. Tight end Ben Patrick is doubtful with a sore knee.

Other players who are hobbling, though, including Wilson, may be ready to go by Sunday. Whisenhunt said Wilson is ahead of where he was last week, when he played in third-down situations.

Linebacker/defensive end Bertrand Berry is expected to return from a groin injury.

Both Berry and Wilson are listed as questionable, as are cornerbacks Eric Green and Rod Hood and linebacker Clark Haggans.

THE MISSING STARTER

Steve Breaston may be introduced as a starting receiver for the Cardinals Sunday.

If so, Breaston likely won't run onto the field when he hears his name. He'll wait and run out with the rest of his teammates.

In a moving gesture, Breaston left the spot vacant in honor of the injured Anquan Boldin before the Cardinals game Sunday vs. Buffalo. He indicated he'll do the same Sunday, at home vs. Dallas, if the same situation arises.

"It's my own personal thing," Breaston said. "That's Q's spot, you know?

"I just go out with the team like I normally do and play like he's here."

1ST PLACE IN HISTORY

With their 3-2 record, the Cardinals stand in first place alone in a division this late in the season for the first time since 1988.

Back then, in the Cardinals' first season in Arizona, they were 4-2 after Week 6 and led the NFC East. But quarterback Neil Lomax suffered a career-ending injury, and they collapsed.

In 2002, the Cardinals were tied for first with San Francisco after Week7 with a 4-2 record in the NFC West. That team also fell apart and finished 7-9.