Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Josh Rosen suffered through the worst game of his young career Thursday night against the Denver Broncos. Making just his fourth career start, Rosen turned the ball over five times and had two interceptions returned for touchdowns in a 45-10 loss.
Given just how bad he had struggled throughout the game, it was somewhat of a surprise that head coach Steve Wilks kept Rosen in during garbage time.
And now, it could have long-term ramifications on the remainder of the quarterback’s rookie season. Rosen suffered a toe injury late in the fourth quarter and was seen in a walking boot. He’ll now undergo an MRI.
Josh Rosen is in a walking boot today and getting an MRI on injured toe. He said last night it was no big deal. But he did not got to UCLA med school so Dr might have a different opinion
— Kent Somers (@kentsomers) October 19, 2018
This is pretty much the worst-case scenario for Arizona. Having fired offensive coordinator Mike McCoy on Friday, the Cardinals are going to want Rosen to work under the recently-promoted Byron Leftwich. If he’s out a while, that will impact the rookie’s progression moving forward.
It’s also going to lead to further questions about Wilks’ ability to be a head coach. Firing his offensive coordinator after just seven games is one thing. It’s the first year head coach’s way of admitting that mistake. But leaving your potential franchise quarterback in the game during garbage time, only to get injured, is a completely different thing.