The Arizona Cardinals have put in the work that is necessary going into the first pre-season game this Saturday at University of Phoenix Stadium against the Houston Texans. Camp was shorter this week but the work on the field is looking very promising in a lot of areas according to Head coach Bruce Arians.
A couple of important things this week that have been noticed during camp, so far no serious injuries to report but they are fluent in the nicked-up department. Monday and Tuesday rookie John Brown sat out due to a minor hamstring pull. Then returned on Wednesday to tweak that same injury, but he is fine and will be on the field on game day.
Second year first round draft pick of 2013 left-guard Jonathan Cooper had some issues this week as he had a knee flare up that kept him out of tuesdays practice. Coach Arians was quoted saying “I’m a little disappointed where Coop is right now” and with that the next practice day Cooper was splitting first team reps with second year guard Earl Watford, whom has looked very impressive during his reps with both the first and second teams.
Cooper is working hard to get back to the beast that was on the field during this time last season before breaking his leg in a pre-season game. Watching in practice Coop seems to be favoring his leg, which happens for a while after a serious injury. It’s like a car accident, once you have been in one it’s a little difficult mentally to put yourself back in that situation knowing the same thing can happen again at any time.
GM Steve Keim said earlier in the week “he will be fine, I have no worry he will get there” speaking of Cooper.
John Abraham has yet to show up to camp, as the team has said they are supporting him and he will return when he is ready, Coach Arians said it could be five to six days and so far we are at the fifth day and no Abraham. Speculation going around that the all pro defensive end may contemplate retirement, but that has not been confirmed by the Cardinals or Abraham’s camp.
Finally, tight end Jake Ballard called it quits, and has retired from the grind that is professional football this week. Ballard suffered a knee injury a few years ago and has not been the same since, in fact this week he was in the training room for a knee that flared up and he realized he was not going to be able to overcome the daily wear and tear on the body thru camp, pre-season, then eventually a sixteen game regular season.
All-in all the 2014 Arizona Cardinals are taking things in stride as they happen, the coaching staff has done a masterful job of filling wholes, in particular at the line-backer position. Kevin Minter is playing out of his mind in camp, and hopefully will translate that to the field.
The same goes for the veteran Larry Foote, who earlier in the week said “That was a big loss two guys like Washington and Dansby, but I’m a veteran, I can hold my own” and so far he has done just that.
Stay tuned for the preview of the first pre-season game against the Houston Texans coming up soon.
More stories you might like
