Stanton (knee) wasn't present for the open portion of Wednesday's practice, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports. Coach Bruce Arians previously indicated that Stanton needed to practice either Wednesday or Thursday in order to play Saturday at Carolina, and with that in mind -- what, if anything -- the QB is able to do Thursday will be telling. At this stage though, it looks like Ryan Lindley will likely draw this weekend's start.

Coach Bruce Arians confirmed Tuesday that Stanton (knee) must practice either Wednesday or Thursday in order to play Saturday at Carolina, Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reports. After Stanton underwent arthroscopic surgery to clean up an infection in his left knee last Wednesday, an appearance in practice may be too much to ask for this week. At the very least, the Cardinals will soon know if they have a veteran in Stanton or his underwhelming replacement, Ryan Lindley, under center for their playoff opener.

Stanton (knee) will not practice Tuesday and remains day-to-day, Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer reports. The Cardinals hope to have Stanton back for Saturday's game in Carolina, but it's generally expected that the signal-caller will need at least another week. Unless Stanton practices at some point this week, Ryan Lindley will very likely start Saturday's game.

On Monday, general manager Steve Keim said Stanton (knee) is "day-to-day and we're hopeful" that he's able to play in Saturday's wild-card matchup at Carolina, the Cardinals' official site reports. Stanton's ability to suit up is surely tied to appearances in practice this week, which aren't a certainty due to the arthroscopic surgery performed to clean up an infection in his left knee last Wednesday. Meanwhile, coach Bruce Arians reiterated the company line on Stanton, stating the quarterback is "progressing," but "nothing [has] really changed" surrounding his health, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com. Ryan Lindley's two-touchdown performance Sunday in San Francisco likely allayed concerns that he isn't up to the task of heading Arizona's offense, but he left points on the field with two first-half interceptions in 49ers' territory. When healthy, Stanton is the clear-cut No. 1 QB at Arians' disposal, but until active status on game day appears imminent, Lindley will be under center for the Cardinals.

Stanton (knee) recently underwent arthroscopic surgery to combat an infection and may be done for the season, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports. The infection in Stanton's knee was discovered Wednesday and operated on shortly thereafter. He is recovering from the procedure, but the setback could prevent him from playing again this season unless the Cardinals advance deep into the playoffs. Ryan Lindley will start in Week 17 for the Cardinals, and could hold onto the job the rest of the way.

Stanton (knee) didn't take part in Wednesday's practice, the Cardinals' official site reports. Regarding his availability for the team's next two games, one of which would land in the postseason, coach Bruce Arians said, "We've got our fingers crossed. There are no sureties about either one. If he's ready for this one [Sunday], it would be in a backup status, and we've got our fingers crossed he'll be ready to practice next week." As long as Stanton is recuperating from his sprained right knee, the Cardinals' quarterback situation will be less than desirable. Logan Thomas is taking his turn Sunday at San Francisco, but the rookie is only assured one half of action, as Arians will evaluate his performance at halftime. If Thomas falters, his backup, Ryan Lindley, could see action for a third week in a row, after completing 22 of 54 passes for 246 yards with no touchdowns and one interception in the previous two outings. The preceding likely spurred Arians' comments Tuesday, when he told SiriusXM NFL Radio, "If Drew's healthy, he's the guy."

Stanton (knee) wasn't present at the portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports. Stanton hasn't been ruled out for Week 17, which he'll likely miss, but the expectation is that he'll continue to rest and rehab with the hope of returning in the playoffs. Whenever his sprained knee recovers enough to allow him to suit up, he's the clear-cut No. 1 signal caller in Arizona. On Tuesday, coach Bruce Arians reiterated as much on SiriusXM NFL Radio, when he said, "If Drew's healthy, he's the guy." In the meantime, Logan Thomas will be afforded at least one half to run the offense, as Arians researches contingency plans outside of Ryan Lindley in the event that Stanton remains sidelined.

Though Stanton (knee) will practice some this week, he is not expected to play Sunday against the 49ers, the Cardinals' official site reports. The report notes that Stanton's right knee swelled up some after last Thursday's practice, so the Cardinals are inclined to play it safe with the QB this week. With that in mind, coach Bruce Arians noted Monday, "there's no way I play him this week unless we have to." As a result, Arians is leaning toward giving Logan Thomas the start over Ryan Lindley this weekend.

Stanton (knee) is inactive Sunday against the Seahawks, the Cardinals' official site reports. Despite what was deemed a "limited" showing in Thursday's practice, Stanton's sprained right knee isn't close to healthy enough to warrant an in-game appearance, thereby affording Ryan Lindley a chance to secure the NFC West for the Cardinals.

Stanton (knee) is doubtful for Sunday's game against Seattle. Stanton was able to make a limited practice appearance Thursday, but he sat out altogether Friday. Ryan Lindley will start in what's presumably an impending trainwreck for the Arizona offense.