Alex

Stepanovich

Stepanovich may have broken his hand during Saturday’s ''mock game.’'

Arizona’s O-line can’t afford many injuries. They are shaky as is.

The center had a plate inserted in his hand. Coach Dennis Green said there will be three options for Stepanovich — waiting until he is totally healed, attempting to snap with his left hand with the right hand in a protective device, or wearing a protective device and playing guard.

Stepanovich missed Sunday’s game against the Giants and Shawn Lynch started in his place.

Stepanovich is listed as doutbful for Sunday’s game.

Coach Dennis Green said Stepanovich will either play guard when he returns or play center and snap with his left hand. ''I don’t think it’s realistic to expect someone to snap (with his left hand) and also be able to block with that right hand,’' Green said. ''I think we’re going to be patient, let it heal and then it depends on what kind of restricted device on that hand.’'

Stepanovich is listed as doubtful for the season opener and has yet to practice since injuring his hand.

“We’re hoping we’ll be lucky. We know we haven’t had a lot of that,” coach Dennis Green said. “If he isn’t able to play we’ll have to make another adjustment in the offensive line.”

Wilkerson was expected to compete for the starting center gig but Alex Stepanovich and Eric Ghiaciuc will now battle it out.