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There could be reason for concern about the player the Arizona Cardinals are expecting to be make a big impact as a starter in 2014. Second-year linebacker Kevin Minter is suffering from a pectoral issue and, according to Mike Jurecki, the team might hold him out of the final two preseason games with the hope of his being able to return and start in the season opener on September 8.
"The process is to let the muscle heal for the next three weeks before the opener on Monday September 8th; it could be partial pectoral where rehab is the best solution," Jurecki wrote on his "Birdseed" blog. "If it doesn't show improvement during the extended time period, the last option would be to have surgery at some point."
Surgery could end his season.
This is concerning. Minter has played only five snaps in the preseason. He only played one defensive snap in 2013. He needs to be on the field. Last season, he also missed time with muscle injuries. He was inactive for multiple games with hamstring problems.
Any extended absence would be a blow to the linebacking corps, which is already suspect after the loss in free agency of Karlos Dansby and the substance abuse suspension of Daryl Washington.
In other injury news, left guard Jonathan Cooper is still suffering from turf toe and, according to Bruce Arians (via Arizona Sports), "can't do anything" because he is "in the training room."
Arians also said most of the guys who are out with injuries could be back at practice on Wednesday, following the team's day off on Tuesday. That list could also include Cooper. Specifically, Teddy Williams (groin), Justin Bethel (thigh) and Lyle Sendlein (calf). Veteran tackle Max Starks (ankle) is not expected back Wednesday.
