The Arizona Cardinals suddenly have to change some plans with their offensive line before they even get to the season opener. Starting right tackle Marcus Gilbert suffered a knee injury on Thursday and has been ruled out of the season opener against the Detroit Lions.
That leaves the Cardinals in a tough spot because the depth at tackle is suspect. Between seventh-round pick Joshua Miles and waiver pickups Brett Toth and Justin Murray, there are two total games of NFL experience and zero starts.
The Cardinals do have some options for Sunday. here are the different ways they could go.
Start Joshua Miles
This would be the most logical move and cause the least amount of moving around. He moved his way up the depth chart in the preseason, mostly playing left tackle, but did get some time at right tackle in practices. They like his athleticism and his upside.
Start Mason Cole
Cole played tackle in college. He got some reps at left tackle in training camp. Coach Kliff Kingsbury has him listed as a backup at two positions. Of course, Cole himself said tackle in the NFL is probably a position that has outgrown him. But he can do it. It might not be pretty. It would also keep his streak of starting games dating back to high school intact.
Move Justin Pugh, play Mason Cole at LG
This option creates the most movement on the line but might be the best option. Cole played left guard in the preseason while Pugh was out. Pugh played right tackle for the New York Giants. He had struggles but probably is a better option there than Cole.
Start Brett Toth or Justin Murray
They acquired both Murray and Toth off waivers. Toth has never played an NFL game. Murray has played in two games but there is some excitement about his upside, despite his being bounced around since 2016. Toth is listed as the team’s backup right tackle on the depth chart.
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