Cards TE Position Needs Help

Jul 26, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) huddles with offensive tackle Levi Brown (75), guard Chilo Rachal (73), center Lyle Sendlein (63), offensive tackle Paul Fanaika (74), tight end Jim Dray (81), tight end Rob Housler (84) and tight end Jeff King (87) during training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

With the position already considered thin, the Arizona Cardinals have an even thinner tight end situation now than they did before Saturday night’s game against the San Diego Chargers.  Tight end Rob Housler did in fact suffer a high ankle sprain.  It was thought on Sunday that may not be the case.

Housler’s status is up in the air to start the season.  His availability at the moment for week one against the St. Louis Rams is uncertain.  However tight end Jeff King, who has been sidelined during camp, did return to practice on Monday.  It is good news, at least from a veteran and experience standpoint.

The Cards have in addition to King, Kory Sperry, Jim Dray, and D.C. Jefferson at tight end on the current roster.  Not exactly a lineup that blows you away.  Jefferson is a rookie and Dray is entering his fourth season, all as a backup.

With the current situation, one has to wonder if the Cardinals will look to the waiver wires this week to find another tight end.  My best guess is they will.  I’m not sure what they will find, but I’d have to think they will find someone they can sign, at least temporarily.  King is still in a precarious position.  Unless something miraculous happens with Housler’s recovery time, I’d expect to see four or five tight end’s on the final roster.