They both claimed hamstring injuries as the reason they couldn't practice. The only strenuous thing they did was ride a stationary bicycle.

"Hey, we know what's going on," coach Ken Whisenhunt said, "so I'm really not going to have much to say about that."

The two players have much in common. Both are from Florida State and are represented by Drew Rosenhaus. And, most important, both have a long time to wait before becoming unrestricted free agents.

Boldin has two years remaining, and Dockett has three. The club won't even discuss a new contract with Dockett. With Boldin, management says it would like to extend his deal when the opportunity presents itself.

Boldin is irritated because he says management promised him a new contract at least two years ago. He didn't seem pacified by the team's recent willingness to listen to trade offers.

The Cardinals say they were surprised by the lack of interest in Boldin, but Boldin doesn't think the club was serious about dealing him. Boldin declined to answer when asked if would report to training camp in late July.

Boldin can build a case that the team reneged on a promise to give him a new contract, but he needs to realize public sentiment has turned against him. Once a fan favorite, Boldin is being roundly criticized for wanting a new deal with so many years left on his present one.

A solution to the problem seems nowhere in sight. The team views re-signing strong safety Adrian Wilson and linebacker Karlos Dansby as higher priorities, although it's not believed they are in serious negotiations to extend either contract at the moment.

The club isn't likely to address Boldin's contract before 2010.