With the release of Robert Nkemdiche and more recently to Darius Philon, the Arizona Cardinals now test the depth of the defensive line. Philon was expected to be a starter and be a key member of the defensive front. Nkemdiche, once he recovered from his torn ACL, was supposed to take the next step towards greatness.
Neither is on the roster now and that means veteran Terrell McClain has a chance to be a major contributor.
“Terrell’s a guy who has had success in this league,” Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury said Monday. “A pro’s pro, shows up, works hard, knows his assignment. He’s done a really nice job in camp. From the lack of depth now, he’s a guy we’recounting on to step up and have a prominent role.”
With rookie Zach Allen now moving into the starting lineup, McClain, entering his ninth NFL season, now appears to be the first guy off the bench in the rotation.
He has starting experience but has mostly been a rotational player in his career so it is a role he knows well.
He knows the defense and he is experienced. As long as his body holds up, he should be solid inside.
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