The Cardinals' injury woes continue as they gear up for a crucial Week 16 matchup against the Falcons. With the playoffs on the line, every player's health is under the microscope.
Thursday's Update:
Outside linebacker Josh Sweat made a return to practice, a positive sign for the Cardinals. Sweat, who had a rest day on Wednesday, was a limited participant, indicating a cautious approach to his recovery. Meanwhile, the team's offensive line took a hit with left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (knee) and safety Jalen Thompson (hamstring) still absent. The secondary also has concerns with cornerbacks Max Melton (heel) and Darren Hall (concussion) joining the list of non-participants.
Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is making progress in his recovery from a heel injury, practicing in a limited capacity and looking sharp during media access. Safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (ankle), linebacker Cody Simon (knee/ankle), and wide receiver Xavier Weaver (hamstring) also practiced but were limited.
But here's where it gets interesting: Falcons' star tight end Kyle Pitts, the NFC Offensive Player of the Week, is nursing a knee injury. His status is worth monitoring as he could be a game-changer for Atlanta's offense.
Wednesday's Preview:
Cardinals' head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed the absence of Johnson Jr. and Thompson for Sunday's game, which will likely see rookie Josh Fryar start at left tackle. The team's walkthrough saw the return of Marvin Harrison Jr., who missed the previous two games. Coach Gannon expressed optimism about his progress, but his availability for the game remains uncertain.
The walkthrough also revealed that cornerbacks Melton and Hall, offensive linemen Kelvin Beachum and Evan Brown, and linebacker Josh Sweat did not participate, further complicating the Cardinals' depth chart.
Defensive lineman L.J. Collier practiced fully and is eligible for activation to the main roster, providing a potential boost to the defense.
And this is the part most fans are eager to hear: Wide receiver Drake London, out for the past four games, returned to practice in a limited role. His recovery from a PCL sprain is a significant development for the Falcons' offense.
Injury Report Details:
Cardinals - Thursday, Dec 18:
- OL Kelvin Beachum (NIR-Rest) - Did Not Participate (DNP)
- OL Evan Brown (NIR-Personal) - DNP
- CB Darren Hall (Concussion) - DNP
- OL Paris Johnson Jr. (Knee) - DNP
- CB Max Melton (Heel) - DNP
- LB Josh Sweat (NIR-Rest) - Limited
- S Jalen Thompson (Hamstring) - DNP
- WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Heel) - Limited
- LB Cody Simon (Knee/Ankle) - Limited
- S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (Ankle) - Limited
- WR Xavier Weaver (Hamstring) - Limited
- S Budda Baker (Thumb) - Full Participation
- DL L.J. Collier (Knee) - Full
- CB Will Johnson (Thumb) - Full
Cardinals - Wednesday, Dec 17:
- OL Kelvin Beachum (NIR-Rest) - DNP
- OL Evan Brown (NIR-Personal) - DNP
- CB Darren Hall (Concussion) - DNP
- OL Paris Johnson Jr. (Knee) - DNP
- CB Max Melton (Heel) - DNP
- LB Josh Sweat (NIR-Rest) - DNP
- S Jalen Thompson (Hamstring) - DNP
- WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Heel) - Limited
- LB Cody Simon (Knee/Ankle) - Limited
- S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (Ankle) - Limited
- WR Xavier Weaver (Hamstring) - Limited
- S Budda Baker (Thumb) - Full
- DL L.J. Collier (Knee) - Full
- CB Will Johnson (Thumb) - Full
Falcons - Thursday, Dec 18:
- WR KhaDarel Hodge (Shoulder) - DNP (2nd string)
- CB Mike Hughes (Ankle) - DNP (1st string)
- DL Brandon Dorlus (Illness/Shoulder) - DNP (1st string)
- EDGE Leonard Floyd (Illness) - Full (1st string)
- WR Drake London (Knee) - Limited (1st string)
- RB Bijan Robinson (Illness) - Full (1st string)
- CB Dee Alford (Illness) - Full (2nd string)
- S Jessie Bates III (NIR-Rest) - Limited (1st string)
- DL LaCale London (Shoulder) - Limited (2nd string)
- DL Ruke Orhorhoro (Groin) - Limited (2nd string)
Falcons - Wednesday, Dec 17:
- WR KhaDarel Hodge (Shoulder) - DNP (2nd string)
- QB Easton Stick (NIR-Personal) - DNP
- CB Mike Hughes (Ankle) - DNP (1st string)
- EDGE Leonard Floyd (Illness) - DNP (1st string)
- WR Drake London (Knee) - Limited (1st string)
- RB Bijan Robinson (Illness) - Full (1st string)
- CB Dee Alford (Illness) - Full (2nd string)
Who do you think will overcome their injury struggles and make the biggest impact on the game? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
