Arizona Cardinals Add DT Tommy Kelly

Aug 22, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Tommy Kelly (93) lines up against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Since losing defensive tackle Darnell Dockett early last week to a torn anterior cruciate ligament for the season, the Arizona Cardinals have been in the hunt for his replacement on the roster.  They were flirted with by Brett Keisel last week before he made it to Arizona and turned right around and went back to the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Hopefully the search ended Wednesday with the signing of veteran Tommy Kelly.

Kelly, who just released a couple of days ago by the New England Patriots, is also coming off a torn ACL, so there is a little concern there.  He spent the 2013 season with the Pats but only played in five games.  He has spent the majority of his career with the Oakland Raiders.

By all indications, Kelly had been playing well in the preseason and in camp after coming off the injury.  The Boston Globe wrote a story indicating they felt the release of Kelly was a surprise, especially given he had also taken a pay cut this season.

Kelly has 441 tackles and 36.5 sacks in his his 10-year career.  Clearly the Cards have been looking for a veteran presence with the absence of Dockett.  Frostee Rucker is the presumed starter at defensive tackle at the moment.  Maybe with the way Kelly has been playing, that could change at some point.  If he’s been playing as well as indicated, let’s hope it continues.