Cardinals: Depth Chart Filling Out

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DEPTH CHART NOTES

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--As expected, the Cardinals began to work youngsters into the starting lineup.

Greg Toler, in his second year, took over at right cornerback for Trumaine McBride. Daryl Washington, a second-round pick this year, is now a starter at inside linebacker, replacing Pago Togafau.

--If the Cardinals' interior offensive linemen stay healthy through the rest of the preseason, coaches and front office personnel are going to have some tough decisions to make.

There is an abundance of experience guards on the team. Alan Faneca is a fixture on the left side, and Reggie Wells remains ahead of Deuce Lutui on the right.

Lutui, however, is playing well and seems to have his weight under control after checking in at nearly 400 pounds in June.

Rex Hadnot can back up at both center and guard, and Jeremy Bridges can swing between tackle and guard.

The most intriguing competition is at right guard. Wells struggled some last year as the starting left guard, partly because he suffered a serious thumb injury early in the year.

Lutui is the team's most physical lineman and it's going to be difficult keeping him out of the starting lineup. Lutui is only 27 while Wells turns 30 during the season.

Both are due to be free agents at the end of the season.

If the Cardinals finish preseason healthy, they could try to trade either Lutui or Wells. Wells is the most likely option, and the Cardinals could use help at inside linebacker and corner.

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PLAYER NOTES

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--FB Nehemiah Broughton, the starter, appears to have suffered a torn left ACL and likely will miss the season. Reagan Maui'a is the only fullback on the roster.

--WR Larry Fitzgerald is running fairly well and is expected to play in the season opener. Fitzgerald suffered an MCL sprain in the first preseason game.

--TE Ben Patrick remains out after suffering a displaced kneecap in training camp. Patrick is optimistic he will be able to play by the season opener.

--WR Early Doucet played about 10 snaps against the Bears last weekend and is expected to be 100 percent for the first game. He has been dealing with an abdominal strain.

--OG Deuce Lutui is pushing Reggie Wells for the right guard spot. Lutui likely will have the job by opening day.

--LT Levi Brown is still struggling some in pass protection. Brown is a solid run blocker but he's been a liability in pass blocking. The fifth overall pick in 2007, he is not living up to his draft status.

--DE Calais Campbell is primed for a big season. Campbell has played well in the preseason. He's gained strength and weight. At 6-8, he weighs almost 300 pounds and doesn't appear to have lost any quickness.

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