Arizona Cardinals Rookies Report to Training Camp Without Jonathan Cooper

Apr. 26, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians and offensive guard Jonathan Cooper pose for a photo during a press conference at the Cardinals Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive lineman Jonathan Cooper is one of the best rookies in the NFL, but the Arizona Cardinals may have to survive without him in 2013.

That’s extremely unlikely, but what is likely is Jonathan Cooper not reporting to training camp for a bit of time. According to azcentral.com, he didn’t report with his fellow rookies on Tuesday, which is a bit concerning for Cardinals fans. Only six players were picked ahead of him in the 2013 NFL draft, so he is a great player.

Cooper is the only Cardinals rookie who doesn’t have a rookie contract set up yet. Unfortunately for the Cardinals and their talent-strapped offensive line, he’s the most important. If the Cardinals and Cooper don’t reach an agreement and he holds out, it would kill the team.

Coach Bruce Arians isn’t concerned yet, but this could develop into a big issue. If it does, it could be fatal for the Cardinals.