With the season-ending knee injury to rookie offensive lineman Chase Bisontis, one position battle ended — the starting battle at right guard between him and incumbent Isaiah Adams. However, with his injury, a new position battle now opens up.
Who will make the roster as the primary backup guard?
Who are the candidates?
- Hayden Conner
- Matt Pryor
- Oli Udoh
- Valentin Senn
Bisontis had been playing right guard with the second-team offensive line, with Conner manning left guard.
Conner offers position versatility, as he can also play center. He played 29 snaps as a rookie last season in five games.
Jon Gaines seems entrenched as the backup center, but he can also play guard, where he started five games last season.
Pryor was signed this offseason. He is in his eighth season and has 40 career starts, both at tackle and guard.
Udoh is also an eight-year pro. He has started 22 games in his career, both at tackle and guard, but mostly at right guard.
Senn is a first-year player who spent his rookie season on injured reserve last year. He is on the roster using the international exemption, so he is at least a lock for the practice squad.
Conner appears to have the lead currently, but Pryor's and Udoh's experience and different positional versatility add intrigue.
This will be something to watch over the final two preseason games.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals have new OL position battle following Chase Bisontis injury