Struggling and Ailing Cardinals Try to Recover Against Cowboys

The fact that the St. Louis Cardinals, considered a preseason title contender, have come upon tough times during the 1985 National Football League season doesn’t surprise Dallas Cowboy quarterback Danny White.

“I’ve seen that happen to our team, I’ve seen that happen to other teams,” said White, who is hoping to add to St. Louis’ miseries tonight. “It’s something that happens quite a bit, especially when you start finding yourself in the upper echelon.”

The Cardinals (3-5), who have lost three straight games, probably will have a patched-up lineup against Dallas (6-2).

Running back Ottis Anderson, who missed last week’s game with a sore toe, suffered a recurrence of the injury Saturday. All-Pro wide receiver Roy Green is limping with a banged-up leg. And rookie Lance Smith may start at right offensive tackle in place of Tootie Robbins, who has a pulled hamstring.

Last week, during a 20-10 loss to the Houston Oilers, the Cardinals’ problems also involved letdowns by the special teams that resulted in two deflected punts and three missed field goals by veteran Neil O’Donoghue. Afterward, O’Donoghue was released, and rookie Jess Atkinson, who was dropped by the New York Giants, was signed to replace him.