Kelvin Beachum is not a tight end. But he'll play one on game day, and the Cardinals are fortunate for that. When Travis Vokolek, who ended up on IR Wednesday after his scary neck injury, went down early against the Colts, the veteran offensive lineman was that guy.

After such an injury, "we have to find it from someone else," offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said.

Beachum was credited with 20 snaps in the game. He knew going into the game, after the season-ending injury to blocking tight end Tip Reiman, that he was going to have "a significant role with the muscle stuff." Because of that Beachum, during his studies of that game plan also paid attention to the role of the other tight ends. That allowed him to help when Vokolek went down.

"The coaches did a phenomenal job throughout the game communicating with the changes," Beachum said.

"We were able to, I wouldn't say make it seamless, but we found a way to make it work."

Petzing said the Cardinals can be creative in such situations if need be. This week, they have time to prepare. In game, it's all talked through on the sideline.

"We're not going to send Beach down the seam on four verts. that play probably shouldn't be called," Petzing said. "But there are other things where Trav would do things that Beach can."

But would it make sense to throw a pass to Beachum? "He has elite hands," Petzing deadpanned. "Unbelievable route runner. So everything is on the table. He asks about it all the time. He'd love to talk about it for sure."

Said Pro Bowl tight end Trey McBride, "Not too many (targets) because I want a few. I love when he can leak out on a pass. I just don't know how good his hands are."

Beachum most certainly does not ask about it. That, he made clear.

"if they do that, I may be hanging them up," Beachum said. "That's not my cup of tea. I'm one who likes to block and dish out punishment. Not receive punishment."