Grimm: Won’t stick ‘head in the pillow and start crying’
Aug 21, 2012, 2:48 AM | Updated: 4:41 pm
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.”
