Cards Place Leinart on IR, Sign Rattay

The Arizona Cardinal’s quarterback controversy came to an end almost as quickly as it started. Unfortunately it wasn’t Matt Leinart’s improved play, but a hit from a St. Louis linebacker that fractured his collarbone and ended his season. The team signed journeyman Tim Rattay as backup to starter-by-default Kurt Warner, reports the Arizona Republic.

It will take Leinart several months to recover, and with the ability of the AZ offensive line to protect him in question, coach Ken Whisenhunt decided to deactivate him in favor of a adding a reserve lineman, noting that rushing him back might “jeopardize the future” of the franchise. Leinart had split time with Warner since week three. (More Arizona Cardinals stories.)