Leinart Playing Perhaps Final Game In Arizona As Cardinals Close Out Preseason Against Redskins

(Sports Network) - The contentious quarterback situation of the Arizona Cardinals will be in the spotlight on Thursday night, when Derek Anderson and Matt Leinart try to stake one more claim to the starting job in the preseason finale against the Washington Redskins from University of Phoenix Stadium.

Anderson moved into the lead for the QB competition last week, when head coach Ken Whisenhunt named the former Cleveland Browns Pro Bowler to open the team's tune-up at the Chicago Bears. Anderson was a relatively sharp 7-of-12 for 94 yards with a touchdown pass in the 14-9 victory, with Leinart slightly outplaying him to the tune of 9-of-10 passing for 84 yards with a TD pass.

Anderson is expected to start again on Thursday, with Leinart following him, though recent speculation about the team's efforts to trade Leinart could alter that scenario. Current third-string candidates John Skelton (Fordham) and Max Hall (BYU) will also attempt to stake a claim to a roster spot on Thursday.

None of the quarterbacks will have the services of wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who has missed most of the preseason with a knee problem but is expected to be ready for the regular season.

The team will get a look at recently-acquired fullback Charles Scott (LSU), a 2010 sixth-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles who was acquired in a deal earlier this week that sent Cardinals sixth-rounder Jorrick Calvin (Troy) to Philly. The Cards' addition of a fullback was necessitated by the probable season-ending knee injury suffered by Arizona's Nehemiah Broughton last week.

The Redskins have their share of QB drama as well, as starter Donovan McNabb is expected to miss his second straight game with an ankle injury suffered against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2 of the preseason.

Rex Grossman, who was 8-of-16 passing for 111 yards in last week's 16-11 win over the Jets, could be held out on Thursday in order to allow the team to evaluate third-string candidates John Beck and Richard Bartel.

Running back Clinton Portis (ankle) is among the notable Redskins who are not likely to suit up on Thursday.

Wearing a Redskins uniform for the first time on Thursday will be fifth-round pass rusher Hall Davis (Louisiana Tech), who was acquired from the St. Louis Rams in exchange for sixth-round rookie tight end Dennis Morris (Louisiana Tech) earlier this week.

The Cardinals open the 2010 regular season at the St. Louis Rams on Sun., Sept. 12th, while the Redskins play host to the Dallas Cowboys that night.