Boldin practices, expects to play

Arizona receiver Anquan Boldin practiced Wednesday and says he will play in Sunday's NFC championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Boldin, who with Larry Fitzgerald forms arguably the best receiving tandem in football, said a trip to a Dallas chiropractor has greatly improved his strained left hamstring. The injury kept Boldin out of the Cardinals' 33-13 victory at Carolina in Saturday's divisional playoff game.

"I'll be out there Sunday," he said after practice.

Boldin said he was able to participate in all phases of practice, but in shorter spurts than normal.

He said he expected to be "real effective" in what would be the biggest game of his career.

"I don't see there being any problems, no hindrances or anything like that," Boldin said. "I'll just be myself and resume my regular role."

Coach Ken Whisenhunt held out final judgment on Boldin's status until he sees how the receiver does as the week progresses, but the coach was optimistic.

PIOLI WON'T SAY WHETHER EDWARDS IS OUT: If Herm Edwards is on his way out as coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, his new boss isn't saying.

In his first news conference since being hired as the final authority on all Chiefs football operations, new general manager Scott Pioli would go no further Wednesday than to say he intends to visit with Edwards.

"I have a lot of respect for Herm. I had a chance to visit with Herm today," said Pioli, who spent the last nine years helping Bill Belichick build a dynasty in New England.

"I've got a lot of respect for Herm on a professional level and a personal level. This entire thing is going to be a process."

There have been reports that Edwards, 2-23 in his last 25 games, was on his way out.

BROWNS HIRE COORDINATORS: Eric Mangini is rounding up the old gang from New England to coach the Cleveland Browns.

Mangini, who took over in Cleveland only a week after being fired by the New York Jets, has hired Brian Daboll as his offensive coordinator, Rob Ryan as defensive coordinator and Brad Seely as special teams coach.

All four previously worked together with the Patriots from 2000 to 2003.

Daboll was Mangini's quarterbacks coach in New York the past two seasons. Ryan came over after five seasons as Oakland's defensive coordinator and Seely was the Patriots' special teams coach for the past 10 seasons.