Kolb (ribs) Out for Weeks; Season in Jeopardy?

Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

The St. Louis Cardinals are handing the keys back over to their former starting quarterback John Skelton, after learning Kevin Kolb will miss an unspecified amount of time due to a rib injury he suffered in the team’s crushing 19-16 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Kolb’s MRI results showed what the worst of what the Cardinals had suspected. The 28-year-old suffered a cartilage damage near the rib cage and a sprained sternoclavicular joint.  In other words, he had multiple ribs detached from the sternum.  Ouch!  Kolb injured his rib cage on a botched running play, which forced him to take off from the line of scrimmage.  While being taken down by two Buffalo players, Kolb landed on the ball.

The injury is a big blow to the Cardinals organization, considering Arizona (4-2) finds themselves in the hunt for the NFC-West title.  He has played efficiently in his brief time under center, completing about 60 percent of his passes and throwing for eight touchdowns and only three interceptions

Now, the Cardinals must move forward with Skelton at the helm.  He hasn’t played since he sprained his ankle during the team’s season opener and possesses less raw talent than Kolb.  Though he’s had limited action, Skelton’s only completed 42 percent of his passes this season with no touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Cardinals are set to take on the Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers in their next three games.  All three opponents have at least a .500 or better record.  Their chances of continuing their success have plummeted after Kolb botched the handoff to his running back and the team could just as easily take a three game swing in the opposite direction.  Look for the upstart Vikings (7.5 favorites) to take advantage of the inexperienced Skelton in a pivotal week 7 route.