Justin Pugh #67 of the Arizona Cardinals runs out during introductions against the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium on October 9, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
(Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Arizona Cardinals starting left guard Justin Pugh tore an ACL in his knee and is done for the season, an MRI confirmed.
Head coach Kliff Kingsbury on Monday confirmed to reporters that the veteran’s season is over.
It puts his NFL future in question after Pugh considered retiring this offseason before ultimately deciding to return.
Pugh was seen with a large brace on his right leg postgame and told reporters he would know more on the extent of the injury after the MRI.
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Pugh left the team’s Week 6 matchup against Seattle at the end of the first quarter and did not return.
He laid on the field and instantly took off his helmet after suffering the injury. Pugh skipped the blue medical tent and went immediately to the locker room. In his place at left guard was Max Garcia.
The Cardinals’ starting offensive line has had a tough time staying on the field early on this season, with Rodney Hudson missing the past two games due to injury, Will Hernandez getting ejected in Week 4 and Pugh dealing with a handful of injuries.
With starters banged up, Arizona has turned to backup center and guard Sean Harlow, as well as Garcia.
As a team, Arizona gave up six sacks in the team’s Week 6 loss to the Seahawks.
If Pugh’s injury is as severe as the team fears, Garcia could be in line to start at left guard.
Harlow could also play the position if he isn’t manning starting center duties for the injured Hudson.
