Adjustments not new for Cunningham
It’s been a few quick changes for Korey Cunningham. The rookie offensive lineman went from backup to starter. Left tackle to right. Flying under the radar to fielding questions about his new role all week.
Cunningham is used to big adjustments. In college at Cincinnati, he moved from tight end to the offensive line, picking up a new role, new plays and a lot of pounds along the way.
“A lot of Chipotle, a lot of protein shakes, and a lot of time in the weight room,” said Cunningham, who
was 225 pounds when he started college.
It’s quicker to ask what he doesn’t get in his burrito. He’s now at a solid 311 pounds, but mentally supple.
“He’s an offensive line coach’s dream because you can mold him out of clay,” quarterback Josh Rosen said Wednesday. “He’s strong as hell. He wants to learn. He’s probably one of the funniest guys I know, and he’s a great teammate. I think he’s got a very, very bright future. Why not sooner rather than later and get him going?”
His opportunity came first at left tackle, while filing in for D.J. Humphries the last two games. Cunningham got his first start and first NFL action against the Raiders and followed it up with strong showing against Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram III and the Chargers. Cunningham said the Chargers were well aware that he was a rookie, but making it through the game was a confidence boost.
Then, on Monday, the Cardinals cut Andre Smith, their starting right tackle. At 2-9, the team is still trying to win games, but coach Steve Wilks said it was also time to start evaluating players who would make up the future of this team. A seventh-round draft pick, Cunningham fits that bill, and he’ll be the starting right tackle moving forward.
“He’s getting this opportunity because he deserves it,” Wilks said on Monday, following the roster move. “He has proven himself. We can go through the history of the league and see guys getting drafted in the sixth or seventh round, or even free agents, that turn out to be pretty good players.”
Wilks likes how Cunningham has been playing on the outside, so the plan is to keep him there. With anything on the Cardinals’ offensive line though, any plan is subject to change.
On Thursday, they placed Jeremy Vujnovich on the injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Vujnovich, who started at right guard vs. the Chargers, is the fourth offensive lineman to move to the IR since training camp. The Cardinals re-signed Will House, who played seven games for the team last season.
With the constant reshuffling on the offensive line, Cunningham has had to learn a lot, and he’s had to learn it fast.
“It’s funny, I feel like I’m watching my baby brother grow up, right before my eyes,” said Humphries, who is expected to return Sunday.
“He’s still a wide eyed rookie, just because I treat him that way – just because he’s my young boy, you know what I mean? But just seeing him accept the challenge, not bat an eyelash – this kid ain’t got no fear in his heart.”
He’s certainly not afraid of the next challenge: a road game at raucous Lambeau Field. Cunningham says he’s ready for the environment, weather included.
“I don’t mind the cold,” the Alabama native said.
Roster moves
The Cardinals released quarterback Charles Kanoff on Thursday, then signed him to their practice squad on Friday. An undrafted rookie free agent, Kanoff had joined the Cardinals ahead of training camp and spent most of they year on the practice squad. He was elevated to the 53-man roster for the Chargers game, but was inactive.
Also Friday, the Cardinals elevated linebacker Thurston Armbrister to the active roster from the practice squad.
Friday’s injury report
In the team’s final injury report of the week, the Cardinals list linebacker Deone Bucannon (chest) as out and left tackle D.J. Humphries (knee), safeties Budda Baker (knee) and Rudy Ford (heel), linebacker Haason Reddick (neck) and wide receiver Chad Williams (ankle) as questionable.
Those five were all limited in practice on Friday, but according to Wilks, “I’m very hopeful that those guys will be able to play in the game.”
If Humphries misses a third straight game, the Cardinals could keep rookie Korey Cunningham at left tackle even after moving him to the right side this week and then would have to rely on one of their two backups, rookie Zack Golditch or Will Holden, who was just signed on Thursday.
For the Packers, tight end Jimmy Graham (knee/thumb) is expected to play despite being limited all week, but five Green Bay players have been ruled out and five others are questionable, including four starters. Not playing are defensive end Mike Daniels (foot), safety Kentrell Brice (ankle/concussion), running back Tra Carson (rib), wide receiver Trevor Davis (hamstring) and safety Raven Greene (ankle).
Listed as questionable are left tackle David Bakhtiari (knee), wide receiver Randall Cobb (hamstring), cornerback Kevin King (hamstring), guard Lane Taylor (quadriceps) and reserve cornerback Bashaud Breeland (groin).