Cardinals WR Boldin expects to play

Jan 14, 2009 - 10:31 PM TEMPE, Arizona (Ticker) -- Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin looks to be a go for Sunday's NFC championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Boldin returned to practice Wednesday, and says he will play Sunday.

One of the game's toughest receivers, Boldin missed last week's divisional playoff game against the Carolina Panthers with a left hamstring injury. Boldin said a trip to a Dallas chiropractor improved the injury, putting him on course to face the Eagles.

"I don't see there being any problems, no hindrances or anything like that," Boldin said. "I'll just be myself and resume my regular role."

Coach Ken Whisenhunt also was optimistic about Boldin's status.

"If he continues to progress like we think he is, I have no doubts he would play," Whisenhunt said.

Along with Larry Fitzgerald, Boldin helps form perhaps the best 1-2 wide receiver combination in the NFL.

The upstart Cardinals (11-7) are in the NFC championship game for the first time in club history.

Boldin also said he expected to play against the Panthers, but his status for that contest changed after he took the field for pregame warmups.

Boldin aggravated the hamstring injury at the tail end of a 71-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter Arizona's 30-24 wild card playoff win over Atlanta.

The three-time Pro Bowler also missed Arizona's final two regular-season games with a shoulder injury.

Boldin finished second on the team with 89 catches for 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns, despite also missing two games earlier in the season with a concussion and facial fractures.