Arizona Cardinals: The Time is Now For Kevin Kolb 

The NFL is a unique, conundrum of a business–forgiving to some, and cruel to others.

Yesterday, the report out of Arizona was that Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback John Skelton would not miss any playing time due to an injury suffered on opening day. Now, one day later, that news has taken an abrupt reverse.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reports that “a source with knowledge of the situation” says Skelton is “expected to miss 2-4 weeks.” The Cardinals signal caller was carted off the team’s 20-16 victory over the Seattle Seahawks with what was originally thought to be a high ankle sprain, but ended up being the less damaging low ankle sprain. Backup Kevin Kolb came in and ended up leading the team to victory, throwing the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

With Skelton expected to miss 2-4 weeks, things could get really interesting for the Arizona Cardinals. For starters, head coach Ken Whisenhunt was asked on Monday whether or not Skelton would still be the starter when he returned healthy, responding, “I don’t even know why that would be a question.” But, if Kolb plays well and leads the team to victories over the next 2-4 weeks, Whisenhunt could have a serious controversy to deal with. The two quarterbacks battled it out for the starting job during training camp, which was won by Skelton. Yet at the same time, Kolb was the one that was given a big contract this offseason. So if Kolb lights it up over the next couple of games, Whisenhunt may have to swallow his pride, go back on his word, and give the starting job back to Kolb.

Whatever happens though, it will certainly be entertaining to watch unfold. Unlike a certain team in New York, this is a real quarterback controversy that has the potential to go either way (again).

Fantasy Analysis

Alright, I’m just as stumped as all you fantasy owners out there that have Skelton or Kolb on your rosters. Although Skelton is the starter, it appears that right now he’s going to miss some time, making way for Kolb. And Kolb knows this is an opportunity he has to seize. So to all of you that own Kolb, keep him for the time being. He’s going to want to tear it up, and if he does, Whisenhunt could lean towards him as the starter. But to all of you that own Skelton, hold off from releasing him so soon. Nobody really knows where this is going to go, so until we do, it’s impossible to make a decision either way. For the next 2-4 weeks though, those of you that have Kolb may want to start him. In that span, the Cardinals play (in order), the Patriots, Eagles, Dolphins and Rams.

About the author: Michael Cellars

Michael Cellars currently attends Kent State University, where he is majoring in English with minors in writing and psychology. In addition to his studies, he serves in the Ohio Army National Guard. During his free time, he surrounds himself with as much of the NFL as possible, and writes for football websites NFL Soup and Football Nation. Michael’s favorite team is the Green Bay Packers, who he has been an avid fan for his entire life.