Cardinals’ Boldin, Arrington may sit

Wide receiver Anquan Boldin and running back J.J. Arrington could be sidelined for the Arizona Cardinals’ game at New England on Sunday because of injuries.

Boldin, named to the Pro Bowl for a third time Tuesday, has a shoulder injury. Arrington, whose role on the team has increased through the season, has a sore knee. They both sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt said he would take a conservative approach to both players to make sure they are ready for the team’s first-round playoff game. The Cardinals (8-6) already have clinched the NFC West title, but it’s an important game for New England (9-5), which is tied for first in the AFC East.

“Both these guys want to play and if they’re ready to go they’ll play,” Whisenhunt said. “Hopefully they’ve shown improvement and will continue to improve, but I think you also have to be smart with that situation.”

Jackson starts again

The Minnesota Vikings will start Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback Sunday against Atlanta.

Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell made the announcement Thursday. Jackson was benched after the Vikings started the season 0-2, but he has played very well in place of the injured Gus Frerotte over the last two games.

The Vikings need a victory or a Chicago loss in the final two weeks to wrap up their first division title since 2000.

Titan fined

Tennessee Titans Pro Bowl cornerback Cortland Finnegan has been fined $25,000 by the NFL for two hard hits on Houston quarterback Matt Schaub last weekend. Finnegan was sanctioned Thursday for a helmet-to-helmet hit and an unnecessary roughness penalty for spearing Schaub on the same series during Tennessee’s 13-12 loss to the Texans.