First-round pick Cooper understands opening season on bench

Published February 05, 2015

Jonathan Cooper says he understands why he won't be starting when the Arizona Cardinals open their season Monday night against San Diego.

Coach Bruce Arians confirmed Wednesday that Ted Larsen will start at left guard. Cooper, the seventh overall pick in the draft last year, will be left to try to work his way back from what's been a rocky effort to get the job after missing all of last season with a broken leg.

Early in training camp, Arians criticized Cooper for not shaking the rust off more quickly. Then the big offensive lineman was sidelined with turf toe.

Cooper says that considering his performance, his injuries and the time he's missed, he hasn't earned a starting spot.

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