Arizona Cardinals need D.J. Humphries to return

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 15: Offensive tackle D.J. Humphries #74 of the Arizona Cardinals during the pre-season NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 15, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chiefs defeated the Cardinals 34-19. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 15: Offensive tackle D.J. Humphries #74 of the Arizona Cardinals during the pre-season NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 15, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chiefs defeated the Cardinals 34-19. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The Arizona Cardinals left tackle has missed a lot of time over the last three years

There has been a lot of change on the offensive line for the Arizona Cardinals.  One guy they need back in a big way is left tackle D.J. Humphries.  He had a season ending knee injury in 2018.

With all of those changes, they need someone who has been here for awhile.  They need someone who knows the atmosphere.

Humphries is already entering his fifth season in the NFL.  However the injuries have taken its toll on him and is a big reason why there has been so much inconsistency on the line.

With the young players and newer players on the roster, the Cardinals need Humphries now more than ever.  When he is on, he is on.  The big question, will he be on and if so can he stay there?

All we can do as fans is hope.  He’s never complained about being moved around in the past.  He started out as a right guard but then moved to left guard, where he is more comfortable, due to necessity.

According to azcardinals.com he is going to take his return slowly but continues to grind towards being back on the field.  He did participate in OTA’s.

Whether he is ready to go week one against the Detroit Lions, only time will tell.  We will have to see how he progresses once he starts training camp in four weeks.

Humphries may not have any more chances with the Cardinals after this season.  It is prudent he takes care of himself and only comes back when he is completely ready to do so.  Otherwise he is doing a disservice to himself and his teammates.

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Wherever he plays on the line in 2019 he will be important to protecting rookie quarterback Kyler Murray.  The Cardinals will need his veteran leadership.