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Until Golden returns, choices to make at defensive end

Starting defensive end Markus Golden is on the physically unable to perform list coming back from his torn ACL, and as good as Chandler Jones is on the other side, it does leave a hole at one of the defensive end spots.

That's why the Cardinals just signed a pair of defensive ends in Jacquies Smith and Arthur Moats, the latter of which has played linebacker his whole career. Coach Steve Wilks said Saturday those two will rotate. But there are other options available as well, like former Cowboy Benson Mayowa. The Cardinals may even explore using someone like Vontarrius Dora -- who was playing linebacker when he was on the practice squad under Bruce Arians -- too. Before he got hurt, Praise Martin-Oguike got some first-team work in the offseason.

Wilks said Golden was "doing well," and Wednesday will mark 10 months since Golden got hurt. As the Cardinals have found with other knee injuries in the past -- and each situation is different -- being able to play and being able to play at a high level may not necessarily be the same thing. When Golden does return, it will be interesting to see what the expectations might be. And it will be interesting to see, as camp goes on, what players are entrusted with the Golden role.

DE Arthur Moats
DE Arthur Moats
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