--CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, the team's first-round pick, isn't being counted upon to start. That makes him drastically different than most of the team's first picks in recent years. They were put at the top of the depth chart from the moment their names were announced on draft day. Rodgers-Cromartie likely will play behind Rod Hood and Eric Green.
--OLB Bertrand Berry opened camp on the first team, ahead of Travis LaBoy. It's an interesting development, given that Berry didn't practice in the offseason while recovering from a torn tricep suffered last season.
--TE Ben Patrick is running with the first team ahead of the incumbent, Leonard Pope. Pope is returning from a severe ankle injury suffered in the 13th game last season.
--RB J.J. Arrington, a second-round pick in 2005, is fourth team behind Edgerrin James, Marcel Shipp and rookie Tim Hightower. Arrington is in danger of being cut before the season starts.
--WR Steve Breaston remains the favorite to win the No. 3 job. Breaston had an excellent offseason and is probably the fastest wideout on the roster.
BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Antrel Rolle vs. Aaron Francisco for starting FS -- Rolle has moved over from cornerback and looks natural at the position. Francisco is a fierce hitter and one of the best athletes on the team. Rolle has the edge but it won't be easy holding off Francisco.
OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: Veteran Terrelle Smith opened camp as the starting fullback, ahead of Tim Castille. But that situation could be fluid throughout camp. ... It doesn't get much publicity but RG Deuce Lutui will be pushed by Elton Brown. Coaches want more from Lutui, the starter the past two seasons, and Brown made great strides last year. ... Chike Okeafor is starting at strong outside linebacker ahead of Clark Haggans, but that's going to be a close competition through camp.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: SS Adrian Wilson -- Wilson is back. He missed the latter part of 2007 because of heel surgery, and he announced his comeback with a fierce hit in the team's first contact practice at camp. The defense is built around Wilson's skills and dropped off when he went down last year.
ROOKIE REPORT: DE Calais Campbell, the second-round pick, is getting some work at tackle in nickel situations. The thinking is that the 6-8 Campbell could be hard to throw over if he gets a push in the pass rush. ... RB Tim Hightower, the fifth-round pick, looks to have a nice set of skills. He's looked quick in running the ball and he seems to catch it well too. ... WR Early Doucet, the third-round pick, appears to be an excellent route runner. That should help him make up for a lack of top-end speed.
INJURY REPORT: WR Anquan Boldin has a slight strain in his right hamstring and might miss some time this week. It's not believed to be serious.
NT Gabe Watson probably will miss all of training camp while recovering from a fractured kneecap in the offseason. Watson is progressing well, but the medical team wants him to build the muscles around the knee. Watson has kept his weight down. He weights 323, the least amount he's weighed since high school.
LB Monty Beisel is recovering from back surgery and hopes to begin practice in a couple of weeks.
TE Troy Bienemann has a stress reaction near a toe and is in a walking boot. The Cardinals are hoping it's a short-term thing.
DT Keilen Dykes, an undrafted rookie, is recovering from a strained quadriceps. It's not believed to be serious.
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