Quarterback Kevin Kolb took nearly half the snaps in practice with the starters on Wednesday, a strong signal that he's ready to return from a foot injury.

Kolb has missed three games with turf toe, a mid-foot sprain and a bone bruise. Kolb estimated he took about 40 percent of the snaps in practice. He also did about the half the scout's team work because he wanted to become re-accustomed to the speed of the game.

Kolb said he was optimistic about playing against the Rams on Sunday.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt was more conservative about Kolb's return, and both player and coach said how Kolb reacts to the increase workload will a key factor in his availablity.

The Cardinals need Kolb back for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, he needs to become more comfortable in this off-season scheme. He wasn't playing well when he suffered the injury on Oct. 30 against the Ravens.

His replacement, John Skelton, opened some eyes by helping the Cardinals win in his first two starts. But Skelton slipped badly last week against the 49ers, completing just 6 of 19 and throwing three interceptions. Skelton will get a fourth consecutive start if Kolb can't play.

Notes: The club also could get tight end Todd Heap back from a hamstring injury that's caused him to miss most of the past six games. Heap appeared close to returning two weeks ago, but aggravated the injury. Heap has played in just four full games, and was just starting to become a big part of the offense when he suffered the injury in practice. Heap had 10 catches for 102 yards in his last two games.