NFL notes: Cards coach Bruce Arians confirms Ryan Lindley will start at QB against Carolina

The Arizona Cardinals head east with former third-stringer Ryan Lindley as starting quarterback.

Coach Bruce Arians confirmed after Thursday’s practice that Lindley will start in Saturday’s wild-card playoff game at Carolina.

Drew Stanton, the starter after Carson Palmer went down with a season-ending knee injury on Nov. 9, will miss his third straight game with a sprained right knee.

Lindley started the last two regular-season games, losses at Seattle and San Francisco.

Arians said Lindley is “light years” better now than he was when he took the field against Seattle.

“When you get experience in big games, and those were big games, it affects how you play,” Arians said. “I think he’s more than ready to play extremely well.”

Jets to talk with Seahawks staffers

Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, assistant head coach/offensive line coach Tom Cable and former Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone are among the candidates New York Jets owner Woody Johnson will interview to replace Rex Ryan.

Johnson was also expected to meet with Seahawks director of pro personel Trent Kirchner for their open general manager position.

49ers to interview Austin, Gase

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin says the 49ers as well as the Atlanta Falcons have asked permission to talk to him about their coaching vacancies.

The 49ers are also expected to interview Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase.

Around the league

Former Bills and Colts executive Bill Polian has confirmed that he has taken himself out of the running for a proposed front-office job with Buffalo, and instead is staying in broadcasting. … Bengals receiver A.J. Green worked out lightly, a step toward being cleared for their playoff game at Indianapolis after suffering a concussion.