Minnesota quarterback Daunte Culpepper completed 25 of 32 passes and threw for three touchdowns. Arizona's lone highlights were MarTay Jenkins' 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and running back Michael Pittman's eight receptions. Just when the Cardinals thought their injured list couldn't look worse, starting center Mike Gruttadauria went down with a herniated cervical disc that will require surgery and threatens his career. He began feeling intense pain, numbness and tingling in his left arm and back the following night and summoned trainer John Omohundro to his home. After contacting team physician Russell Chick, Gruttadauria was admitted to St. Joseph's Hospital, where an MRI exam revealed the herniated disc.
Surgery is scheduled for early next week.
Gruttadauria, in his fifth season, was a member of the Rams' Super Bowl championship team last season and is one of the NFL's best young centers. Right guard Lester Holmes, the ex-Eagle, also is out due to a nagging knee injury. His expected replacement, Chris Dishman, now must move to center, and Norberto Davidds-Garrido will get a start at right guard. The Eagles are catching Arizona at its weakest. The issue is who is there and how we play with who we have that determines results.