The Arizona Cardinals lost the game on Sunday to the Carolina Panthers 38-20 and also lost one of their team captains late in the game. Punter Andy Lee left the game in the second half with a hip flexor injury and did not return.
It happened on a play where he had to make a tackle. Kicker Zane Gonzalez had to fill for Lee, punting twice. He averaged 42 yards per punt and they were not returned.
He doesn’t know whether it will cause him to miss any time. “We’ll come back, get a better look at it tomorrow and see what happens,” he said after the game. “Hopefully, it’s nothing too big. Hopefully, when I get in tomorrow it feels better.”
He doesn’t think it is “anything crazy, crazy serious,” but it was enough for him to come out of the game.
In addition to being the team’s punter, Lee also holds on extra points and field goals.
The Cardinals could go one of two ways if Lee has to miss any time. If Lee is well enough to handle holding duties, Gonzalez could both kick and punt. They could also bring back Ryan Winslow, who was with the Cardinals in the offseason and preseason. He has held for Gonzalez before, so the adjustment would be minor.
Ideally, though, Lee is fine and will be able to return and play next weekend against the Seattle Seahawks, who come to Arizona in Week 4.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
