Here are some news and notes from around the Arizona Cardinals:

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  • The Cardinals' brief love affair with QB Ryan Lindley appears to be over. Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt decided to switch back to John Skelton for head quarterback duties as Lindley has faltered since taking over the starting role in a loss to Atlanta on Nov. 18, Craig Morgan of Fox Sports Arizona reported. Coming off eight straight losses and heading next to a Seattle matchup against a Seahawks team that is 5-0 at home, Whisenhunt decided the experiment with the rookie quarterback out of San Diego State was over. “He understands the position. The big thing is he’s ready,” Whisenhunt said of Skelton. “We talked about this week and what the expectations are, and he’s worked hard to be prepared. I’m certainly hopeful that he’ll play well.”

     
  • Once one of the top tight ends in the NFL, Todd Heap's tenure with the Cardinals had an unceremonious ending on Tuesday as he was released by his hometown team, Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com reported. Arizona also signed tight end Kory Sperry, who was released by San Diego last season. Heap finished his disappointing Cardinals career with 32 catches for 377 yards and one touchdown in 12 games. He missed eight games this year and six last year, and did not figure into the equation for next season.

  • With the Cardinals mired in a horrific slump -- eight straight losses after four straight wins to open the year -- the likelihood of immediate help at the quarterback situation appears dim. Kevin Kolb told reporters that his recovery from cracked ribs has hit a snag, Morgan wrote. “To be totally honest with you, the last couple weeks … when I really try to push it in the weight room and when I really try to push the ball downfield is when I’m kind of hitting that wall,” Kolb said. That isn't to say that Kolb isn't aching to return, particularly as he sees what once was his offense struggle mightily. “I’ve got to keep pushing,” he said. “I’ve got to do it for myself; for my sanity. If I let it creep in -- just like before with all the questions we’ve answered about all the ups and downs -- if you let it creep in it’s going to take control of you. If I get the chance I’m going to go out there and battle with them."
     

For more news and analysis from Cardinals blogger Jon Gold, follow @CBSCardinals on Twitter.