TEMPE, Ariz. -- Arizona lost 10 players to injuries during before or during the 2013 season.
Some had significant roles while others were role players.
Here’s a quick look at who’s injured and how they’ll fit in next season.
OLB Sam Acho (left fibula) -- There’s a good chance Arizona doesn’t bring back Matt Shaughnessy, so Acho would regain his starting spot on the right side.
OLB Lorenzo Alexander (Lisfranc) -- With how John Abraham played this year -- 11.5 sacks and a Pro Bowl nod -- it’ll be hard for Alexander to win back his starting spot. It’s highly unlikely the coaching staff will just hand the job back to Alexander. If Arizona doesn’t name Abraham the starter, the two will battle it out during training camp.
WR LaRon Byrd (concussion) -- Not likely Byrd will return.
G Jonathan Cooper (broken leg) -- Once Cooper is healthy, he’ll be inserted in as the Cardinals’ starting left guard and head coach Bruce Arians will either move Daryn Colledge to right guard or reshuffle the line.
TE Jeff King (knee) -- King’s contract expires in March and won’t likely be re-signed.
S Tyrann Mathieu (ACL/LCL) -- Whenever Mathieu returns -- a time frame hasn’t been set, but it’s not likely he’ll be back for training camp -- he’ll most likely retain his starting job but could be worked back into the lineup as his knee strengthens.
OLB Alex Okafor (biceps) -- The rising second-year player will become a formidable backup when he returns.
DE Everrette Thompson (shoulder) -- Not likely to return.
WR Teddy Williams (Achilles) -- Depending on if Andre Roberts is re-signed, Williams could find himself as the third or fourth receiver as well as the gunner opposite Justin Bethel.
WR Javon Lawson (Achilles) -- Not likely to return.
