Richard

Bartel

Kolb was absolutely brutal as the Cardinals’ entire offense looked lost. He was mercifully removed in favor of Richard Bartel for the final drive, but was forcing passes all day long before that. It certainly didn’t help that the Cardinals were down 28-0 after the first quarter. Kolb heads into the bye as a weak QB2.

All are ''exclusive rights’’ free agents and expected to sign. Bartel appeared in two games last season in relief of John Skelton. Smith, undrafted in 2006, spent time between the Cardinals’ active roster and practice squad. Talley and Williams provide organizational depth.

Through three quarters, Skelton was 8-of-19 for 93 yards with three interceptions and five sacks taken. But he’s been Tebow-like in the fourth quarter all year and did it again, nearly leading the Cards to a comeback win. In the final frame, Skelton completed 15-of-25 passes for 204 yards with two touchdowns. He’ll likely get another start in Week 17 as Kevin Kolb was still feeling concussion symptoms last weekend.

Bartel showed impressive arm strength, somehow getting a 23-yard touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald through two defenders. He also looked comfortable in the pocket, checking down to Early Doucet well. However, the 49ers were in all-out prevent mode by the time Bartel got in the game. It’s unclear if he or Skelton will start if Kevin Kolb (toe) can’t get back for Week 12.

Skelton was absolutely pathetic against the Niners on Sunday, throwing three picks and leading his team to zero points. He was benched in favor of Richard Bartel as the fourth quarter opened. Still, Skelton earned some leash with wins over the Rams and Eagles in Weeks 9 and 10, respectively. The Cardinals face the Rams again, this time in St. Louis, next Sunday.

The injury ends any shot Bartel had at sticking on the final roster. Developmental sixth-round rookie Ryan Lindley is going to be the third quarterback behind John Skelton and Kevin Kolb.

Bartel went down in Thursday’s preseason finale, and almost certainly would have been released if not for his injury. A restricted free agent in the offseason, Bartel will likely be non-tendered.

Bartel was placed on injured reserve after suffering a shoulder injury in Thursday’s preseason finale, but will now be free to sign with any club once he’s healthy. A journeyman veteran, it bodes extremely poorly for Bartel’s future that he’s getting cut loose from a team with the league’s worst quarterback situation.

Skelton, the Cards’ fifth-round pick in 2010, passed Bartel during the Cards’ bye week. He’ll only play in the event of a Kevin Kolb injury.

The former Cowboys practice squad quarterback has a big arm but went to Tarleton State. That’s all you need to know.