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August 20, 2012: The search for a LT begins

FLAGSTAFF -- For once, it wasn't all about the quarterback at Cardinals training camp.

Okay, it was a little about the quarterback.

All right, maybe more than just a little.

Whether it's Kevin Kolb or John Skelton under center Week 1, someone is going to have to protect their blind side.

At the moment, the Cardinals aren't sure who that will be after starting left tackle Levi Brown suffered what appears to be a season-ending right triceps injury.

"It's tough to replace anybody," assistant head coach and offensive line coach Russ Grimm said. "Like you tell the guys when they first come to camp, you're one play away."

D.J. Young, a second-year player out of Michigan State, is up first to see if he can win the job.

"The mental part is good," Grimm said of Young, who will start Thursday at Tennessee. "The technique stuff -- he's got quick feet. He's got to concentrate on some things. We're going to see how he holds up."

Young, however, has yet to take a snap in a regular season game.

D'Anthony Batiste, who is currently the starting right tackle, will also see playing time on the left side.

"He started on practice squad two years ago," Grimm said. "Then he moved up to the active (roster) last year.

Batiste played in three games for the Cards.

"We're going to find out which one of them is ready."

It's not going to be easy, especially with the season opener now just three weeks away.

"I mean it's always tough when you've got to replace somebody. But I mean that's the nature of this business," Grimm said.

"I'm not going to go and stick my head in the pillow and start crying," he continued. "I look at it like this: It's a chance for one of these young guys to step up. They got an opportunity and let's see if they take advantage of it."

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  • Abuse
    the cooker wrote...
    Get a life Russ
    Levi was terrible and you know it Russ. Dude had so many penalties and QB sacks allowed it was not even funny.
  • Abuse
    pcock45 wrote...
    FLOORED
    That we are not looking at available FA's out there... some are better than what we've got/had. Marcus McNeil, Jeff Otah, Stacey Andrews... come on Cards, bring in ONE of these guys to give us an upgrade.
  • Abuse
    OpinionH8d wrote...
    OL Continues to be the Weak Link
    Offseason priorities top of the list was OL upgrades. Go ahead and kick the tires on Peyton, but don't lose sight of the most glaring needs: LT and RT and an OL coach. Eric Winston became available- didn't hear a peep about AZ being interested. Bringing in a FA G and two throw away late picks is not adequate. Grimm has done nothing to warrant keeping his job. Michael B needs to take the initiative cuz Whiz obviously can't stomach firing his buddy.
  • Abuse
    FitzIsMyHero wrote...
    Agree with all the above
    But, I have to say this... Ryan Williams and Beanie Wells might make this line look good. Beanie had 1000 yrds last year. John was getting sacked left and right, but, John Skelton looks way better in the pocket (this year) as far as pocket presence and stepping up in the pocket. I think, this year, the line will get help from their RB's and QB and hopefully have a good year. I cannot dis-agree that Grimm hasnt gotten these guys playing as expected. Hopefully, the QB gets the ball out quicker and the RB's use their field vision and cuts to get good long runs. Williams looked good man!
  • Abuse
    CardinalsFan wrote...
    Yo Grimm...
    "I'm not going to go and stick my head in the pillow and start crying" either when you get booted!
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