Weekend’s minicamp gets offseason rolling for Cards

Ken Whisenhunt isn’t giving his veterans any time to think about the difference between this weekend’s mandatory minicamp — which begins this morning and runs through Monday — and the voluntary workouts the rest of the offseason.

The Cardinals’ first-year coach intentionally changed the schedule from how Dennis Green conducted his offseason. In the past, veterans had three weeks from the end of the mandatory minicamp before the voluntary work started.

This way, Whisenhunt acknowledged, the veterans who are already here for the mandatory work have no reason to leave.

The team has its charity golf tournament Tuesday. The first voluntary workout is Wednesday, and the final 14 organized team activities run through June 7.

“The whole process (of the offseason), this minicamp really starts it,” Whisenhunt said.

Now that the Cardinals have their rookies picked out, Whisenhunt said the purpose of the minicamp is two-fold: to find where the rookies will play, and to install the playbook and “try things out.”

“Once the season starts, it all becomes game planning,” Whisenhunt said, adding that when figuring out matchups “hopefully you establish enough of a base (in the offseason) that allows you flexibility during the season.”

Running back Edgerrin James will also be absent today as he attends the funeral of a family member. James is expected back Sunday.

Defensive end Bertrand Berry, who continues to rehab from his tricep surgery, will not practice. Neither will special teamer Hanik Milligan, who had knee surgery.

Berry is trying to learn more of a hybrid linebacker position for the 3-4 sets Whisenhunt wants to play, but the coach said Berry, as a veteran, should not fall too far behind.

As for the offensive line, rookie tackle and first-round pick Levi Brown will play on the right side. Whisenhunt plans to leave him there so he can get comfortable in one spot. Mike Gandy and Oliver Ross will work both the right and left sides; Whisenhunt will put Gandy on the left side today because Gandy didn’t work there in the first minicamp.

EXTRA POINTS: Former Cardinals defensive tackle Eric Swann, who hasn’t played in an NFL game since 2000, said Friday he is attempting a comeback. Swann, 36, who made the announcement on the “Calling All Sports with Roc and Manuch” on KDUS (1060 AM), said he has yet to be cleared by doctors after multiple knee surgeries but said he has been training since January. Swann, a 1991 first-round pick of the Cards, made the Pro Bowl twice. He spent the final season of his 10-year career in Carolina. Swann said he has called the Cardinals but said he has not heard back from the team. … For updates during Cardinals minicamp, go to http://blogs.eastvalleytribune.com/birdwatching.

Cardinals minicamp

When: Two practices today, two Sunday, one Monday; closed to the public except for this afternoon’s Fan Fest.

Where: Cardinals’ Tempe complex, Warner Road and Hardy Drive.

Fan Fest: This afternoon’s practice. Gates open at 1:30 p.m. Practice runs from 3:15-5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Concessions are available.

Autograph session: Runs from 2:45-3:15 p.m. Open only to youths 12 years old and younger. One item per child. No posed photos. For more information go to www.azcardinals.com.