Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Justin Pugh gave a reassuring update on his ACL, which he tore during a Week 6 matchup of the 2022 season.
It’s going great! I’m on track and haven’t had any set backs! An ACL injury isn’t what it used to be. I’ll be back better then ever. I’ll be ready week 1. https://t.co/m25YRHNB8w
— Justin Pugh (@JustinPugh) March 15, 2023
Pugh is currently a free agent, and after he left the field in Week 6, there were questions on whether that would be his last game ever on the football field.
Justin is entering the 11th season of his NFL career and his sixth in Arizona, if they decide to bring him back. During his time with the Cardinals, Pugh has been one of the more reliable linemen—that is, of course, until 2022, when he only played in five games.
Nevertheless, while healthy, the impact that Pugh brings to the Cardinals offense is hard to ignore. While it may not be saying much considering Arizona’s miserable 2022 season, the Cardinals went 2-10 while Pugh was not in the starting lineup.
Additionally, quarterback Kyler Murray played significantly better in games where Pugh played in more than 50% of the offensive snaps (weeks 2, 3, and 5). During these games, Murray averaged over 280 passing yards, compared to his 215 season average.
Unfortunately, not only is Pugh currently in recovery mode, but he is also an unrestricted free agent as his five-year contract expired last week.
When this conversation was brought up on Twitter, Pugh comically referred to his latest predictions of other Cardinals’ free agent signings.
If I come back it messes up my prediction of josh jones at left guard. I don’t know if I can jeopardize my record… https://t.co/q7ZBaNQHAY
— Justin Pugh (@JustinPugh) March 15, 2023
Pugh has even hinted at maybe taking on a front office role if he does decide to retire in the near future.
Hey @AZCardinals trade #3 pick for similar haul plz.
— Justin Pugh (@JustinPugh) March 11, 2023
Yeah if I can skip every step to become a GM and go right to being montis asst GM https://t.co/ZpGM96w7se
— Justin Pugh (@JustinPugh) March 12, 2023
If this is true @AZCardinals make this apart of the deal to move to #4. This makes too much sense https://t.co/vhA1RK3ALz
— Justin Pugh (@JustinPugh) March 12, 2023
Whether it is helping construct a roster, or providing much-needed support to the offensive line, the Cardinals should be standing with open arms welcoming Justin Pugh back and keeping him in Arizona for good.
Subscribe Today!
-
Burn+ Annual Subscription (Digital and Print)
$49.95 / year
-
Burn+ Monthly Premium Subscription (Digital)
$5.95 / month
