The Arizona Cardinals are in last place in the NFC West with a 4-12 record and currently have the 4th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Their offense has struggled (due to the fact that Kyler Murray missed the first nine games of the season). They are ranked 24th in points, 24th in yards, 20th in first downs, 29th in passing yards, and 6th in rushing yards.
Their offensive line will be tested against the Seattle Seahawks because their Pro Bowl left tackle is out for the season because he suffered a devastating injury in Week 17.
The Arizona Cardinals placed their left tackle on injured reserve.
D.J. Humphries suffered a torn left ACL in the second half of their 35-31 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon reacted to the injury news. Here’s what he said:
“It’s a blow for anybody. For us as a team, he’s a captain, one of our premier players, It’s a part of the sport that is really hard. You guys know how I feel about the players and what they put into this, the sacrifices they make. Him being who he is, it’s tough to swallow.”
Humphries finished the season with 922 offensive snaps, nine penalties, four sacks allowed, and a 62.5 PFF Grade.
Who will be their starting left tackle?
Kelvin Beachum is expected to be the starting left tackle in their season-finale. Beachum has appeared in 162 games and started in 148 in his 12-year career.
Beachum agreed to a 2-year, $5,150,000 contract extension during the 2023 offseason.
Beachum has served as the swing tackle this season and filled in for Humphries in Weeks 7, 9, 10, and 17.
Beachum filled in for Humphries when he got ejected in Week 7. He also filled in for him in Week 9 because he suffered an ankle injury. Beachum started in Week 10. Finally, he filled in for Humphries last week.
Beachum has played in 142 offensive snaps, he has one penalty, two sacks allowed, and a 61.5 PFF Grade.
Jonathan Gannon is grateful to have Beachum in the role that he’s in:
“He’s been fantastic. We’re very grateful to have him in the role he plays.
He’s the ultimate team guy, a guy that provides really good leadership for the young guys. You guys know he’s a guy I talk to a lot, and I bounce things off of him because he’s been around the block. I’m glad we have him. He’ll step in there and play well.”
Humphries faces a long recovery.
Humphries will likely start the 2024 season on the Physically Unable to Perform List and could be out for a good chunk of next season.
Arizona loses one of their best offensive lineman and one of their leaders.