Cardinals WR Boldin practices, hopes to play Sunday

Oct 21, 2008 - 12:13 AM TEMPE, Arizona (Ticker) -- Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin participated in practice on Monday for the first time since he was on the receiving end of a jarring hit over three weeks ago.

Boldin underwent surgery to repair a sinus fracture and had wires placed in his jaw after he was hit by New York Jets safeties Kerry Rhodes and Eric Smith with 27 seconds remaining in Arizona's 56-35 loss on September 28. Boldin also suffered a concussion.

The six-year veteran has passed tests for the concussion two weeks in a row, but needs clearance from surgeon Dr. Reed Day in order to play. Boldin meets with Day on Tuesday.

"I feel like I am ready to go," Boldin said. "That's what I have been working toward, coming back after the bye."

The first-place Cardinals (4-2) won both of their games without Boldin and visit the Carolina Panthers (5-2) on Sunday.

Boldin has 27 catches for 366 yards and is tied for the league lead with five touchdown receptions.

The wideout said he will not have to wear a special mouthguard or other special protective gear. He also said that he will not change the way he plays whenever he returns to the field.

"It's a risk we all take," Boldin said. "We all know what we are getting in to when we sign up for this game."