Cardinals OT D.J. Humphries described that he felt isolated from the team during his rehab from a back injury.
“Have you ever been to ISS (in-school suspension)? Or silent lunch, or anything like that?” Humphries said, via Darren Urban of the team’s site. “That’s what it felt like. I had to train in the weight room, watching all the guys run around (on the field) with the windows up. It was like, ‘Is this about torturing me? Is this what we’re trying to do?’ To finally be out there with the guys, running around, talking a little junk, it was fun. It was fun.”
Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon said they are relying on Humphries to be successful in 2023 despite their additions of first-round OT Paris Johnson.
“We’re going to need good football from him,” Gannon said. “He’s one of the guys I lean on. That’s what we want to build our team with.”
When asked about the team drafting Johnson, Humphries said he isn’t phased by the move.
“This is the NFL. You know what comes with this,” Humphries said. “I’m not here to be worried about who they drafted. Instead of worrying about who they drafted you need to be thinking about what you need to be working on so you don’t get put on the bench when they draft that guy. I know he’s going to be good for our line.”
Rams HC Sean McVay pointed out four players during the team’s rookie minicamp as guys that have stood out thus far. McVay said WR Puka Nacua, OL Steve Avila, OL Mike McAllister and DL Kobie Turner have all made their mark thus far.
“I think overall I’ve been really pleased with the class in general,” McVay said, via Rams Wire. “I think when you look on the offensive side of the ball, Puka Nacua is a guy that’s definitely stood out. I’ve been really pleased with Steve Avila. He’s obviously incredibly talented and gifted but been able to move him from left to right. I think he’s picking things up quickly. Another guy like a Mike McAllister has played a lot of snaps up front and he’s done a really nice job on the offensive line being able to move around. I think Kobie Turner on the defensive side of the ball, he’s done an amazing job. I’ve really been impressed with just his professionalism. He shines. His relentless effort to the football and then being able to just understand the nuances of what we’re asking of him. Those are some guys that have really stood out from that rookie class.”
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