5 Arizona Cardinals to watch for against Chargers

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 30: Zane Gonzalez #5 of the Arizona Cardinals kicks a field goal in the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 30, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 30: Zane Gonzalez #5 of the Arizona Cardinals kicks a field goal in the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 30, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 23: Center Mason Cole #64 of the Arizona Cardinals in action during the NFL game against the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chicago Bears won 16-14. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 23: Center Mason Cole #64 of the Arizona Cardinals in action during the NFL game against the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chicago Bears won 16-14. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

Mason Cole

Cole enters his second season out of Michigan.  He was pressed into action early last year thanks to a training camp injury to A.Q. Shipley.

Now he is challenging Shipley for the starting center spot.  However it likely won’t be center where fans will see him against the Chargers.

Expect Cole to start at left guard in place of Justin Pugh who is injured.  That will leave Shipley to start at center.

This will be a very good opportunity for Cole to show some versatility and if need be, someone who can move when needed.  Given the Cardinals recent history with injuries on the offensive line, they need more versatile linemen.

Cole is even with Shipley on the first depth chart at center.  Pugh will get his spot back when he returns in a couple of weeks.

We’ll see how long Cole will actually play but nonetheless it is a position to watch on Thursday night.  Let’s just hope Cole stays healthy.