Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert could find permanent job

Arizona Cardinals backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert had a nice start in the first preseason game last Thursday night

When the Arizona Cardinals signed Blaine Gabbert a couple of months ago, my thought was that it was purely for insurance in case of emergency. Now after his first preseason game, he could actually make the 53-man roster.

Granted, there is a lot of preseason to go and he likely will face better talent as times goes on. For now, he can only be judged on what he has done. So far, I’d say he is passing his test. He went 11-14 for 185 yards against the Dallas Cowboys.

Now, will it be enough to supplant Drew Stanton as the backup? That remains to be seen. Stanton is going to get his first playing time of the preseason this Saturday night against the Oakland Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Traditionally head coach Bruce Arians has gone with two quarterbacks on the roster. If Stanton plays well or well enough, is there a case to keep Gabbert as the third quarterback? Based on what we’ve seen so far, the answer would have to be a resounding yes.

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I’ve never been a big fan of Gabbert. The signing left some, including yours truly, shaking their heads. To be fair, he hasn’t shown much in his first six NFL seasons. He lost his starting job last year in San Francisco.

Honestly though, if everything goes to plan, then neither Stanton or Gabbert will see the playing field in 2017, except possibly in mop-up situations. Even then, Arians likes to keep Palmer in as long as possible.

There can be no arguing numbers if Gabbert can continue to put them up, no matter how much in the long run I or anyone else believes Stanton is the better choice. In the end, we may get both on this roster.

If the Cardinals do get hit with more injuries that garner a deeper depth chart at other positions, then it truly will come down to Stanton or Gabbert. Gabbert passed his first test. Now it’s Stanton’s turn.

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