An Arizona Cardinals offensive line that seemed so promising throughout the offseason is now riddled with question marks.
Left guard Mike Iupati, signed away from the San Francisco 49ers in March, is expected to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery that will sideline the three-time Pro Bowler for about six weeks, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday, via a source who has spoken to Iupati.
Coach Bruce Arians told reporters Wednesday morning that he was sending Iupati to the doctor because of swelling in his knee.
With Iupati and Jared Veldheer solidifying the left side and 2013 first-round guard Jonathan Cooper finally healthy and ready to join Bobby Massie on the right side, the Cardinals had reason to believe the offensive line would be a team strength in 2015.
That's no longer the case. In addition to Iupati's early season absence, Massie is facing a three-game suspension in September. There are also concerns at center, as the underwhelming play of A.Q. Shipley and Ted Larsen forced Arizona to bring back declining veteran Lyle Sendlein.
The four potential trouble spots up front are especially disconcerting with an immobile Carson Palmer returning from ACL surgery.
Palmer's aerial attack is loaded with weapons in Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, Michael Floyd and Andre Ellington. It would be a shame if it was grounded due to injured or ineffective blockers.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast continues with its fantasy extravaganza and takes you behind the scenes in Cleveland with Marc Sessler.
