NFL briefs: Cardinals hand Anderson start

Derek Anderson will start at quarterback again for Arizona when the Cardinals play Washington on Thursday night in their final preseason game.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt said he will use the same playing order as he did in last Saturday’s 14-9 win at Chicago. That means Matt Leinart will come in to replace Anderson at some point.

Whisenhunt’s decision came following a meeting with Leinart on Monday afternoon after the former Heisman Trophy winner told reporters that he had outplayed Anderson in training camp and preseason, and that his problem with his coach “probably goes beyond football.”

Whisenhunt called it “a good talk”

“We obviously touched base on where everything was,” he said, “which I’ve always said I wanted. If players have an issue or a problem to come see me. We had communicated before about where we were and obviously we needed to talk a little bit more, but it was a good talk.”

Around the league

Cleveland Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers will not be suspended for carrying a loaded gun into an airport. The league said Rogers will be fined a one-game check – roughly $400,000 – for violating its personal conduct policy. … Backup quarterback Michael Vick will start Philadelphia’s final preseason game because the Eagles are resting their starters. … Buffalo coach Chan Gailey said running back Marshawn Lynch looked good in returning to practice for the first time since hurting his ankle in a loss to Washington and will play Thursday against the Detroit Lions. … Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice was placed on the reserve physically unable to perform list and will be ineligible to play in the first six games of the regular season.