The Arizona Cardinals have been without starting center Rodney Hudson this offseason. He did not report for mandatory minicamp and it was an unexcused absence.
The nature of his absence is not known exactly but it is easy to speculate that perhaps he could retire, as he turns 33 next month.
His absence has given guard Justin Pugh an opportunity.
Pugh, who has been the team’s starting left guard the past three seasons, is trying out a move to center.
He was the team’s emergency center last year and has been taking snaps this offseason, along with Sean Harlow and rookie Lecitus Smith.
Pugh says it isn’t for emergency purposes. He is trying to see if he could be the team’s starting center.
“I could see myself playing center,:” he said after practice on Tuesday. “I’ve capped out money-wise at guard. If anything, they are taking more money off my plate if I play guard. Why not go and play center in this offense with Kyler?”
Pugh took a pay cut each of the last two seasons after originally signing a five-year, $45 million deal. He made $5 million last season and will make $5.5 million this year.
Now entering his 10th season, he sees potential.
“Center is a very important position,” he said. “We’ve shown we prioritize that position and there are a lot of centers that have played older in their years because physically it’s not as demanding.
“Mentally, it’s much more intense, and that’s where I think I can still succeed at that position. We’ll try it out. We’ll see how it goes.”
He might be the Cardinals’ best option at center if Hudson does not return. He is smart and knows the offensive calls and protections. They have Justin Murray on the bench, a player the Cardinals are comfortable with starting at guard.
Sean Harlow has five career starts and Lecitus Smith is a rookie.
Pugh isn’t guaranteeing anything, but he sounds like a guy ready to replace Hudson if it works out.
“If I go out there and don’t plat very well, you’ll see me at left guard,” he said. “So you’ll know when you see where I get the majority of my reps how well I’m playing.”
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