July 31, 2012
For all the mean-spirited criticism Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb has fielded over the past year, it was nice to witness a healthy dose of humanity at Monday afternoon’s practice.
Late in that workout at Northern Arizona University’s Walkup Skydome, Kolb handed the ball off to William Powell in a two-minute drill and immediately went to the ground after taking a knee to his right thigh. Head athletic trainer Tom Reed tended to him, then he limped off the field on his own to go ice the thigh.
Kolb later signed autographs for fans and told several reporters he was fine with what the team was calling a thigh bruise. But the reaction that swept through the stands was telling. A hush fell over the stands when Kolb went down. Multiple fans leaned over the railing asking about his condition and wishing him well.
For a moment, Kolb wasn’t the underperforming, overpaid bust so many in this town have labeled him after just one injury-riddled season with no offseason works and no time to learn a new offense. He was a human being in pain. For a moment, Kolb felt the love.
We’ll see how long it lasts …
Meanwhile, coach Ken Whisenhunt said Tuesday that Kolb might skip the day's only practice session but expects him to resume workouts on Wednesday. He also said Kolb will start the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, with John Skelton likely to start the following game in Kansas City.
-- Craig Morgan
