Rodney Hudson set to play for Arizona Cardinals in 2022

After weeks of uncertainty, Arizona Cardinals starting center Rodney Hudson has informed the team that he plans to play in 2022 and will be in attendance for training camp when veterans report on Tuesday, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro confirmed Hudson’s intentions, adding the center wanted to make sure he was 100% before making the decision to return.

It’s a positive sign for the Cardinals, who did not see Hudson attend voluntary organized team activities or the team’s mandatory minicamp.

Head coach Kliff Kingsbury told reporters following Day 1 of minicamp that Hudson was not excused from the workout. The head coach added Hudson and the organization were working through something.

With Hudson’s status unknown, Arizona handed out center reps to both starting left guard Justin Pugh and sixth-round rookie Lecitus Smith.

Hudson is under contract for two seasons, where he will make a base salary of $10.9 million this season and $8.3 million in 2023.

“As far as I know he’s doing well,” Kelvin Beachum told Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke on June 14. “Just had a son not too long ago, has a young daughter so he’s putting family first as any father would, and I would say that the rest will be handled between him and the organization. Know that he’s in good spirits and excited to see what comes from it the next couple of weeks.

“He’s a leader in many rights, not only on the football field but also within the film room and making sure we’re all thinking and looking at the protections, at the plays, at the run game, all the same way,” Beachum added.

The Cardinals traded a third-round pick to acquire Hudson and a seventh-round choice before the 2021 season. The sides agreed to a three-year, $30 million extension that added two years to his deal set to expire this offseason.

Cardinals rookies report for training camp this Thursday before veterans arrive to State Farm Stadium the following Tuesday.

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