Arizona Cardinals get first opt out of 2020 season

The Arizona Cardinals will now be without their presumed starting tackle on the offensive line

Just earlier in the day, Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury was talking how the team had luckily not had anyone opt out of the 2020 season to date.  That statement did not age well.

Early Tuesday afternoon, Cardinals tackle Marcus Gilbert opted out of the 2020 season.  He pointed to himself and family members being high risk individuals for COVID-19.

We should not be made at Gilbert for his decision.  No one should second guess a decision like this.  A man who is trying to take care of not only himself but his family.

Gilbert was expected to be a starter on the offensive line this year.  He missed all of 2019 with an injury after being traded to the Cardinals from the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason.

This was going to be a coming out year for Gilbert.  Now we will have to wait until 2021 to see what he has to offer.

Gilbert was one of two players that had been placed on the Non-Football Illness list last week, the other was tight end Maxx Williams.  Reports at the time indicated this had nothing to do with COVID.  Kingsbury on Tuesday had said it was just more of an extended physical.

Obviously it turned out to be more than that for Gilbert. He’s not sick, has not tested positive.  In fact, no Cardinals have tested positive yet.  Hopefully it stays that way.

Gilbert said in his statement he looks forward to 2021.  He’s joined a list around the NFL that continues to grow.  Players have until Thursday to opt-out of the season.

Don’t be surprised if Gilbert isn’t the last Cardinal to opt out but for now, there is no indication any others are forthcoming.  As for Williams, he reportedly passed his physical on Tuesday.