Starting offensive linemen Kyle Kosier and Marc Colombo missed practice Wednesday, sparking speculation that both will miss the season opener in Washington.
Kosier was thought to be a long shot for Week One all along, but Colombo’s absence was a disappointing development and creates a scary situation. Offensive line is regarded as the team’s achilles heal even with the starters healthy. Montrae Holland provides passable cover for Kosier, but Colombo’s health and Alex Barron’s preseason struggles make the tackle position a big concern.
Wade Phillips claims that the pair of backups would not be a big concern.
“They [Barron and Holland] have worked well in our system,” Phillips said. “I don’t think it’ll be perfect for them, but we have confidence they’ll do a good job.”
Phillips has also learned that he won’t be able to lean on Colombo’s self-evaluation.
It’d be stunning if Colombo, who hasn’t practiced since undergoing surgery, actually volunteered that his knee didn’t feel well enough to play in Sunday night’s season opener.
“You have to gauge those things,” Phillips said. “You go more with the medical people, because they’ve worked him out. They run him, change direction. [Associate athletic trainer] Britt Brown does a great job of that. He can tell me a lot.”