NFL training camp 2013: Arizona Cardinals tackle Eric Winston promoted to first team

In one of the positional battles during training camp for the Arizona Cardinals, there has been a change. Veteran Eric Winston, recently signed by the team to add some depth to the offensive line, was promoted to the first team at right tackle.

He overtakes second year player Bobby Massie, who started camp as the starter.

Winston reacted to the move.

"I don't assume anything in the business anymore after the odyssey I've been on," Winston said of his promotion, via the team's official site. "I come to every camp to work hard and earn my stripes. I believe in that and I believe that's the only way that you are going to make teams consistently. It doesn't matter what team I am on, I'm getting reps, I'm getting seen and you have to make the most of it. Whether it's the first team or the third team, I'm going to continue to work hard and try to be the guy they brought in here."

Massie, who was the team's fourth round draft pick in 2012, started every single game at right tackle last season. He struggled mightily the first half of the season but recovered to be one of the higher rated tackles during the second half of the season.

Massie understood the move to sign Winston when it happened and knows no one is going to just hand him a starting job.

"It's what it's all about, competing for your job," he said. "They're not just going to give it to me. I'm going to have to work for it."

It is still early in camp, so there is no reason to believe that this is a final decision. There have only been three practices in pads and the team's first preseason game is still a week away. This competition is far from over.

It is, though, going to be one of the most intriguing battles to watch. You have a veteran in Winston considered to be a very good tackle, while Massie is a young talent who looked great late last season.

More from Revenge of the Birds:

• 2013 Arizona Cardinals training camp: 10 observations from Monday practice
• NFL training camp 2013: Images from Monday's Arizona Cardinals Monday practice
• NFL training camp 2013: Paul Fanaika 'really looking good' filling in for Colledge
• 53 Man Roster: Early Camp Edition
• NFL training camp: Alfonso Smith praised for blocking, getting coaches' attention

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