When news broke that Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin had dismissed agent Drew Rosenhaus and is seeking new representation, Cardinals fans were hopeful that it might mean a break through.

It may be wishful thinking.

Boldin, who has been at odds with the team over his contract and had expressed a desire to be traded, did not attend Wednesday's voluntary "organized team activities" at the club's Tempe training facility, and coach Ken Whisenhunt said it remained to be determined whether anything has changed.
"I know from our perspective . . . nothing has changed," Whisenhunt said. "We're a much better football team with Anquan than we are without him, and we have a high regard for him. So nothing has changed from that perspective."

Question is, has anything changed from Boldin's perspective? Until he names his new representation, the Cardinals aren't likely to know the answer. Whisenhunt said agent changes are just part of the NFL.

"You see that happen in this business, so I can't say I was surprised," he said. "But that was really more about what Anquan thought was best for him, I would guess. You'd have to discuss that with him."

There was speculation by some that Boldin might attend Wednesday's workout. The NFL Network even dispatched a crew just in case.

Asked whether he was hopeful that Boldin might appear, Whisenhunt said: "I'm hopeful that everybody shows up every day, but once again, this is not mandatory. This is voluntary and I'm very pleased we have such a large turnout."

Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett and defensive end Bertrand Berry also did not participate Wednesday.

Quarterback Kurt Warner said the team's veterans are trying to lead by example in attending the workouts, but he doesn't take issue with players in contract disputes sitting them out.

"We're behind those guys," he said. "Those guys are our teammates. We want them to get something done. And we know as soon as that happens and that stuff is solidified, they'll be out here with us and they want to be out here with us.

"That's part of the business we understand. You don't get mad at guys in those situations. (But) you don't want guys staying home because they don't want to be here and don't have a reason not to be here."

Notes

Warner on his surgically repaired left hip: "It's getting better, the pain is lessening - small increments, but it's lessening.

"As far as functionally though, I feel great. I feel strong. It doesn't feel like it limits me in anything I do out here. It's just a matter of pain. I'm waiting for that day when I'm completely pain free, but other than that I'm good."

• Whisenhunt on the opportunity for Steve Breaston with Boldin out: "What we saw last year, Steve Breaston really stood up and took the reins with that opportunity . . . and it paid off for him.

"It's still the second week and we still have two more weeks and a lot of stuff yet to go in, so it's hard to say who is going to step up or who is going to be put in that situation.

"But I know this, we have a lot of young guys getting reps at positions. Hopefully that will pay off for them and us at training camp because we're getting a chance for them to learn, to see situations, to actually experience getting the reps and hopefully when we get to preseason games or into camp they'll be a little better polished and better able to compete."