Man, the Cardinals just dropped their final injury report for Sunday’s battle with the Los Angeles Rams, and it’s a gut punch. Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is officially OUT, like, DNP all week OUT, for the road game. This kid’s ankle has kept him off the field, and you just know that’s a blow to the run game they were probably hoping to establish against the Rams.
Star Safety Budda Baker’s Status Is a Huge Question Mark
As if losing Love wasn’t enough, star safety Budda Baker’s status for Sunday is now officially questionable. He got a rest day on Wednesday, which is fine, but then a groin issue popped up on Friday. That’s not what you want to see for one of your defensive leaders. A DNP on Friday after a full practice earlier in the week? That’s concerning, big time. You also have to factor in that fellow safeties Wydett Williams Jr. (concussion) and Andrew Wingard (knee) are also ruled out, meaning the secondary is taking some serious hits. This defense will need to step up huge without them.
More Defensive Concerns and a Punter Problem
The injury bug didn’t stop there for the Cardinals. Outside linebacker Zaven Collins is questionable with a hip issue, also added on Friday, and he didn’t practice. Another key defensive player up in the air for Sunday, yikes. And get this: punter Blake Gillikin is questionable with a back issue, also a Friday addition. This isn’t a new problem for Gillikin either; he only played five games in 2025 because of a back injury, then suffered a groin injury in warmups for an August 22nd game, which forced Chad Ryland to punt. He’s been inconsistent this season, rocking a 45.6 average with a 38.0 net. When Jack Browning was punting in the preseason finale, you knew something was up. Having a shaky punter, especially with a back issue, could be a real problem against the Rams. Even third quarterback Carson Beck got added to the report Friday with a back issue, though he has no game status designation.
The Rams Have Their Own Worries, But Less Severe
Looking across the field, the Rams aren’t totally clear either, but their list looks a bit less intense than Arizona’s. Safety Kam Curl is questionable with an ankle injury, and cornerback Trent McDuffie is questionable with a groin issue. Both those guys were DNP on Friday. They don’t have anyone ruled out, which is a definite plus for them. For the Cardinals, they’re walking into this division showdown with key players like Love out, and Baker, Collins, and Gillikin all questionable. This game against the Rams was already going to be tough, but with these injuries piling up, it’s going to be a real test of depth for the Cardinals. You gotta wonder how they’re going to piece together a consistent effort, especially on defense, missing so many guys. We’ll see how they handle it come Sunday.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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