The Arizona Cardinals reported to training camp on Wednesday. They had their first practice on Thursday and fans will get to see practice for the first time on Friday.
The Cardinals have many important position battles to watch. One is at inside linebacker, alongside Mack Wilson.
Starting ILB job: Cody Simon vs. Jack Gibbens
Simon started the final nine games of last season, but he replaced Mack Wilson, whose rib injury ended his season. He was the "Mike" and the defense was awful. They lost all nine games he started, and the defense allowed 37 or more points six times.
Now, was Simon the problem? Not exactly, but he didn't help much, either.
Gibbens was signed to a two-year deal as a free agent. Gibbens started eight games for New England last season and played 491 defensive snaps. He had
81 total tackles, eight tackles for loss and a sack.
Wilson returns as the starting "Mike," but the linebacker next to him is up for grabs.
Simon worked with the first-team defense in the spring, but Gibbens has played significant snaps for very good defenses.
We will see who comes out on top over the next few weeks.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals training camp: Starting ILB battle is one to watch
