Kevin Kolb Separated Ribs and Sprained Sternoclavicular Joint in Sunday's Game

By: Kim O'Hara | Posted: October 16, 2012

So much for that starting quarterback debate. In an announcement eerily similar to the one made after Week 1, the Arizona Cardinals backup quarterback will assume the first string role, as the starter recovers from an injury sustained in the previous game's fourth quarter. The only difference is which quarterback is which.

Kevin Kolb had taken the offensive reins after John Skelton injured his ankle during the season opener, and performed adequately at the onset, leading the Cardinals to four straight victories (including a win over New England at Gillette Stadium). Kolb's mobility and decision-making (as well as offensive line performance) have come under fire in recent weeks; he took 22 sacks in the last three games alone. One particularly nasty hit took Kolb out of Sunday's game against Buffalo in the fourth quarter with an apparent rib injury. Skelton stepped in for his teammate, completed two passes out of ten (three if you count the late interception to Buffalo safety Jairus Byrd who, in fairness, also picked off Kolb earlier in the game), and failed to come up with a win.

Although Skelton failed to impress in his short time on the field Sunday, he will once again be the team's starter for the foreseeable future. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, several of Kolb's ribs separated from his sternum, he suffered from a bruised joint with a VERY complicated name (click here for Schefter's full tweet), and will be out for "several" weeks. 

How long Skelton thrives as a quarterback is uncertain. Even less certain is how long he'll be able to maintain his health. Arizona is facing serious issues on its offensive line: Buffalo had tallied 10 sacks all season before Sunday's 5-sack performance. What measures may be taken to improve performance are unclear, but if the Cardinas' line doesn't start protecting the quarterback more effectively, Skelton's ribs could be in danger too. 

Kim O'Hara is the Associate Editor of TheFootballGirl.com. She is an avid fan of sports in general, but the NFL in particular. She has also been a contributor to ESPN the Magazine. Follow her on Twitter: @arahomik      

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Ben
Posts: 1

Corn On The Kolb
Reply #1 on : Tue October 16, 2012, 18:28:41

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We all knew the buffaloes were going to munch on some corn on the Kolb . . . but did they have to order a side of ribs too?