Five Arizona Cardinals starters are officially sidelined as the team gears up for Sunday’s home game against the Denver Broncos, according to their second injury report of the week. This isn’t just a few guys dinged up, we’re talking about core pieces sitting out right before a big home matchup. It’s a massive hit for the Cardinals, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
The Starters Not Practicing Is A Gut Punch
The “did not participate” list is a real blow for Arizona. Safety Budda Baker is out with a groin injury and illness. Running back Jeremiyah Love, who starts for the team, hasn’t practiced for five straight days now because of an ankle issue. Cornerback Max Melton, another starter, was limited Wednesday but didn’t even practice Thursday due to a knee problem, which is a significant downgrade. Then there’s defensive lineman Walter Nolen III, also a starter, who is out with an ankle injury. And safety Andrew Wingard, also a starter, hasn’t been on the practice field for the last two weeks with a knee injury. Quarterback Carson Beck also didn’t participate due to a back issue. He was seen leaving Thursday’s practice with a trainer and was downgraded from limited participation. Beck was first listed with his injury on Friday, but was active for the game.
Key Downgrades And Crucial Returns
Melton’s downgrade from limited to completely out of practice is a huge red flag for Arizona’s secondary. Beck’s situation, going from limited to not participating and needing a trainer, is also a concern. Love’s five consecutive days out means his ankle is a real problem for the run game, and Wingard’s two-week absence points to a lingering issue that just won’t clear up. It’s not all bad news, though. Defensive lineman Darius Robinson was added to the report with a back injury, but cornerback Garrett Williams was actually upgraded, moving from not practicing Wednesday to limited participation on Thursday. Plus, safety Wydett Williams Jr., who sustained a concussion in the Week 5 game against the Lions, practiced fully Thursday without the non-contact jersey he had on Wednesday. Guard Isaac Seumalo and outside linebacker Josh Sweat both returned to full participation after taking rest days that were not injury related. Tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. also practiced after being ill Wednesday.
Denver’s Report Before Sunday’s Showdown
The Broncos have their own issues to deal with heading into Sunday. Running back Tyler Badie (thumb), starter safety Talanoa Hufanga (ankle), and outside linebacker Jonah Elliss (ankle) all did not participate. Starting cornerback Pat Surtain II (ankle) and starting wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (chest) were both limited in practice. On the positive side for Denver, defensive end Zach Allen, who is a starter, was a full participant after a rest day, and starting cornerback Riley Moss was a full participant despite rib issues.
With Sunday’s home game against Denver just days away, the Cardinals are facing a serious uphill battle with five key starters missing practice. How they shuffle the lineup, especially defensively, and who steps up to fill those massive holes will be everything. Get ready for a tense one, folks; it’s going to be a true test of grit in the Emerald City.
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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