Tempe, AZ - Bruce Arians changed his mind. – Tempe, AZ (SportsNetwork.com) - Bruce Arians changed his mind.
The Arizona Cardinals coach said Friday that Ryan Lindley will start at quarterback against San Francisco on Sunday, not Logan Thomas.
The announcement came four days after Arians said he would go with Thomas in an important Week 17 game against the 49ers.
Arians said he picked Lindley after evaluating both quarterbacks during practice this week.
"He's going to give us a better chance to win this game," Arians said. "Logan is going to be a hell of a player one of these days, but right now he's not ready."
The Cardinals (11-4) have already locked up a playoff berth and can clinch the NFC West with a win plus a Seattle Seahawks loss or tie against St. Louis. They can win the division with a tie against the 49ers if the Seahawks lose to the Rams.
Arizona can also clinch home-field advantage and a first-round bye with some help.
The team has had quarterback problems this season. Starter Carson Palmer was lost for the season with a knee injury and backup Drew Stanton suffered a partially torn ligaments in his knee and is still sidelined.
NFL.com reported Friday that Stanton could be lost for the season after having arthroscopic surgery to fight an infection.
Asked about the story, Arians said Stanton was "on schedule for next week."
Lindley started last Sunday against the Seahawks and struggled in a 35-6 loss. He finished 18-of-44 for 216 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.
Thomas, a rookie, appeared for one play and had his lone pass attempt go incomplete.
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