AzWins23
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The Cardinals stayed fairly healthy during the first two weeks of training camp, but the first game of the preseason wasn’t as kind.
MRI tests confirmed Sunday that starting linebacker Chike Okeafor tore a bicep muscle and starting right tackle Oliver Ross tore a tricep muscle. Both are expected to seek second opinions before any decisions are made in terms of treatment or surgery.
It is a difficult blow to the Cardinals on both sides of the ball. Okeafor had transitioned well into his new linebacking role. Okeafor’s backup is Darryl Blackstock, who has yet to show much of his potential since being drafted in 2005. The Cardinals might also look at Calvin Pace.
Ross was battling No. 1 draft pick Levi Brown for the starting role, meaning the rookie will basically be handed the job. Brown remains raw and must overcome his learning curve. At bigger issue is the Cards’ current lack of depth at tackle; with Ross gone, the top remaining tackle on the roster is probably veteran Brandon Gorin, who has struggled.
Backup center Nick Leckey is also expected to miss two-to-four weeks with a left knee ligament sprain. The other injuries suffered Saturday – safety Terrence Holt’s rib injury, safety Aaron Francisco’s sprain ankle and linebacker Monty Beisel’s back spasms – were not serious.
Players were off Sunday and coach Ken Whisenhunt was not immediately available for comment. The Cards resume practice Monday afternoon and Whisenhunt is scheduled to meet the media around 11:30 a.m. Monday.
Front page of azcardinals.com
MRI tests confirmed Sunday that starting linebacker Chike Okeafor tore a bicep muscle and starting right tackle Oliver Ross tore a tricep muscle. Both are expected to seek second opinions before any decisions are made in terms of treatment or surgery.
It is a difficult blow to the Cardinals on both sides of the ball. Okeafor had transitioned well into his new linebacking role. Okeafor’s backup is Darryl Blackstock, who has yet to show much of his potential since being drafted in 2005. The Cardinals might also look at Calvin Pace.
Ross was battling No. 1 draft pick Levi Brown for the starting role, meaning the rookie will basically be handed the job. Brown remains raw and must overcome his learning curve. At bigger issue is the Cards’ current lack of depth at tackle; with Ross gone, the top remaining tackle on the roster is probably veteran Brandon Gorin, who has struggled.
Backup center Nick Leckey is also expected to miss two-to-four weeks with a left knee ligament sprain. The other injuries suffered Saturday – safety Terrence Holt’s rib injury, safety Aaron Francisco’s sprain ankle and linebacker Monty Beisel’s back spasms – were not serious.
Players were off Sunday and coach Ken Whisenhunt was not immediately available for comment. The Cards resume practice Monday afternoon and Whisenhunt is scheduled to meet the media around 11:30 a.m. Monday.
Front page of azcardinals.com
