Big Red
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- Mar 16, 2019
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It was a picturesque Monday afternoon, as intermittent cloud cover and gorgeous weather made for an idyllic start to the Cardinals’ organized team activities.
The conditions weren’t the only reason why the Cardinals’ offensive line group was feeling good.
Four starters who had their 2018 seasons cut short by injury -- center A.Q. Shipley, guard Justin Pugh, left tackle D.J. Humphries and right tackle Marcus Gilbert (who was with the Steelers) – were on the field during the portion open to the media.
The Cardinals’ offensive line was besieged by injuries a year ago, which contributed to a meager offensive showing, and the group is ready to turn the page.
“Obviously last year did not go the way we wanted in any aspect,” Pugh said. “On the field, off the field. We had a rough year last year, but we come out here and get a fresh start.”
Shipley was lost in training camp to a torn ACL, while Pugh (hand/knee) missed nine games, Humphries (knee) missed seven and Gilbert (knee) missed 11.
Gilbert was added via trade and guard J.R. Sweezy was signed in free agency to bolster a group that allowed 52 sacks last season and didn’t pave enough holes in the run game. Outside perception still considers this unit a weakness, but much of that is due to injury concerns.
The linemen must prove they can stay healthy, but for now coach Kliff Kingsbury said everyone is “on schedule” in their rehabilitation and he’s glad they are on the field as a new system gets implemented.
“I like what we’re seeing,” Kingsbury said. “They’ve been able to do some stuff that’s allowed them to be locked in and keep up with the installs.”
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