The St. Louis Rams are expecting a heavier dose of Arizona's running attack, now that the Cardinals are beginning life after QB Kurt Warner.

But will running back Beanie Wells, the Cardinals' leading rusher a year ago with 793 yards and seven touchdowns, be part of the Big Red ground game? For the second day in a row, Wells did not particpate in practice for the Cardinals, according to the official Arizona injury report.

Wells suffered what the Cardinals described as a bruised knee in Arizona's preseason finale against Washington and hasn't practiced since. Even if Wells can't go Arizona still has Rams killer Tim Hightower, whose only two career 100-yard rushing games have come against St. Louis.

Pass-rushing specialist Joey Porter (back), who will line up over Rams rookie left tackle Rodger Saffold most of the day, has been upgraded from limited participation Wednesday to full participation Thursday.

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who missed most of the preseason with a knee injury, continues to be listed as full participation for Arizona and is expected to start Sunday.