OT Cunningham to start, Humphries among Cardinals out vs. Chargers
Nov 23, 2018, 2:55 PM
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
TEMPE, Ariz. — Rookie Korey Cunningham will make his second start at left tackle Sunday as his Arizona Cardinals visit the Los Angeles Chargers.
A knee injury has again ruled out D.J. Humphries, head coach Steve Wilks said Friday, but the Cardinals have confidence in their 2018 seventh-round pick in Cunningham, who held up well in his first action of the year last week during a loss to the Oakland Raiders.
“At times, you can feel when guys feel uncomfortable,” Wilks said of Cunningham. “It wasn’t too big for him. He was in the moment, performed well. Excited about what he’s going to do this week.”
If Humphries had returned, the question regarding Cunningham’s opportunity involved whether he could see snaps at right tackle, ahead of starter Andre Smith, who has been unsteady this year. The rookie said he’s as comfortable on the left side as the right side of the line — he played both in college.
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Instead of wondering if a switch to the other side could be in order, Cunningham enters Sunday knowing he will be challenged this week against defensive ends Melvin Ingram (5.5 sacks) and Joey Bosa, the latter of whom is coming off his season debut.
“I feel well-prepared,” Cunningham said. “They got two great defensive ends and everything. I’m young, I’m a rookie. I know they’re probably going to try me a little bit. I got to be ready for that. It’s all about confidence.”
Humphries wasn’t the only player ruled out Friday.
Receiver Chad Williams (ankle), linebacker Deone Bucannon (chest) and safety Rudy Ford (heel) will miss the game in Los Angeles.
Wilks was hopeful defensive tackle Corey Peters (heel/back) could return, while he said it was possible safety Budda Baker (knee) would play. The head coach added that kicker Phil Dawson, who was likewise listed as questionable, will be able to play.
Offensive guard Mike Iupati (back), defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (calf), tight end John Phillips (knee) and defensive tackle Olsen Pierre (ankle) were all listed as questionable as well.
