Edgerrin James laughed when asked about his recent minor right knee surgery, no surprise after he had just completed the Cards’ first practice of the offseason without any problems.

“It was a scratch,” James said of the surgery. “I was in and out. The same night I was hanging out at the clubs. Everything is normal.”

The surgery took away some swelling that had bothered James last season, but he emphasized — with a smile — it was no big deal by pointing out that if he hadn’t been able to practice, he probably wouldn’t have shown up to the voluntary minicamp.

“I had an opportunity to get out of practice, and I should have used my pass,” James said, before adding, “Nah, I like to practice. I don’t want to stand around.”

After carrying the ball 337 times last season, James said he wants 350 carries this year. Contrary to needing more help toting the load, James said, “I am in the good years right now. That’s why I have been taking good care of myself.”

He was, however, more cautious when new coach Ken Whisenhunt’s plan to run the ball more often was brought up.

“A lot of times last year, we didn’t have the matchup (to run),” James said. “We had more guys than we could block, and we would still run into it sometimes. As long as it is the right situation (to run), I am all for it.”

Whisenhunt said he still plans to sit down with James and discuss James’ plans for being in the Valley for the balance of the offseason voluntary workouts.

“He is a very successful NFL player,” Whisenhunt said. “Looking at him today, he looks good, he looks in shape. I look forward to talking with him.”

BERRY BETTER

Defensive end-turned-linebacker Bertrand Berry still isn’t practicing after having surgery to repair a triceps injury last season. He knows there are questions about him now that he missed half the season in 2006 with that injury and half of 2005 after tearing his biceps.

“I played my first eight years without any injuries to speak of,” Berry said. “I just got mine back to back. I am looking forward to this year to silence the critics. I’m sure they will be looking to see if I can stay healthy a full season.”

Berry called the injuries “freakish” but added that perhaps they will serve as a blessing.

“I am going into my 11th year, but I haven’t had 11 years of wear and tear on my body,” said Berry, who is penciled in as a starting linebacker/end in the Cards’ 3-4 look when he returns to the field.

NO CELL ZONE

Whisenhunt instituted a ban on cell phones in the locker room, a first for the Cardinals that became apparent when about a dozen players sat outside after the morning practice Friday having conversations.

“If it hadn’t been for Edge’s iPod dock, it would have been like a library in the locker room,” guard Reggie Wells said.

EXTRA POINTS

Receiver LeRon McCoy was the only player who did not practice who had been expected to. During physicals, small fractures were found in his hand, and he was held out of workouts while further tests were done. …

The Cardinals brought in tight end Troy Bienemann Friday to try out with the team during the minicamp, and tackle Qasim Mitchell arrived Friday night to take part today. Bienemann came out of Washington State and did not play in 2006. Mitchell, who played from 2002-05 with the Chicago Bears, did not play last season.