Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Mason Cole has been praised by head coach Kliff Kingsbury all season. He has been called the most valuable lineman they have because of his versatility and play.
However, he just hasn’t been able to play much because of a pretty healthy starting lineup. Of the five starters, only right tackle has had any missed games. They lost Marcus Gilbert and then Jordan Mills to injured reserve and Justin Murray missed a couple of games with a knee injury. When Murray was out, Justin Pugh moved to right tackle and Cole played left guard.
But playing time has been sporadic.
Kingsbury used Cole on Sunday against the Rams to give three players a few snaps off. Cole played 21 snaps, getting seven at right guard, two at center and 11 at left guard. He was an eligible receiver on one play.
Kingsbury told reporters Cole has earned those snaps.
“He’s definitely done enough,” he said on Monday. “Both those guys, (J.R.) Sweezy and (Justin) Pugh, have been banged up and nicked up, and this late in the year, we want to make sure they’re at their best when they’re in. That’s allowed us to do that. Mason’s – I’ve said it all year – very versatile for us, very valuable and can play anything. It gives him some reps and keeps those guys fresh.”
Both Pugh and Sweezy had missed practice time in the week leading up to the game.
They didn’t miss a beat with Cole in the game. Looking ahead to 2020, Pugh and Sweezy are still under contract. Shipley is a free agent but could return. Cole might be in the same position next year.
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