Graham’s In, Esiason’s Out

The pendulum has swung back to Kent Graham and Leeland McElroy.

Arizona Cardinal Coach Vince Tobin said he will start Graham at quarterback and McElroy at tailback Sunday against the Washington Redskins.

The decisions make benchwarmers of Boomer Esiason and LeShon Johnson, who have had the most productive single-game performances in the NFL this season at their respective positions.

All four players are in their first season with the Cardinals (6-8), who must defeat both the Redskins and Philadelphia to keep alive a slim chance at the playoffs.

Esiason is 3-5 as the starter. The team was 0-3 when Tobin decided to give Graham, who had only four starts in three years with the New York Giants and never took a snap for Detroit last season, his chance.

Graham delivered three wins in five games, then sprained a knee in the first half of a 16-8 loss to the Giants on Nov. 3.

Given another chance, Esiason went on a remarkable run, passing for 522 yards in a victory over the Redskins and 1,149 yards in consecutive victories over the Redskins, Giants and Eagles to help Arizona reach 6-6.

In losses to Minnesota and Dallas, however, Esiason cooled off, throwing for 270 yards against the Vikings and 224 against the Cowboys. More importantly, he threw two interceptions in each game--14 for the year.

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The Philadelphia Eagles put veteran defensive lineman Andy Harmon on injured reserve and filled his roster spot with defensive back Barry Wilburn.

Harmon, 27, suffered a left knee injury during the preseason. He underwent arthroscopic surgery Sept. 5 and has played only two games, registering five tackles and one sack.

Wilburn, 33, played in six games with the Eagles earlier this season before being released Oct. 22. He led the league with nine interceptions in 1987 as a member of the Washington Redskins.