The Arizona Cardinals kicked off their prep for Sunday’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons with a Wednesday walkthrough, and while it wasn’t a full-speed practice, the team still released its first injury report of the week-an estimated look at who would’ve participated if they had gone full tilt.
The report listed 14 players, nine of whom are starters, giving us a pretty good sense of where this roster stands heading into the weekend. Four players were estimated as non-participants, three were limited, and three were full-go. A few absences were for personal reasons or rest, but there are some key injury storylines to keep an eye on.
Let’s start with the offensive line. Right tackle Kelvin Beachum and outside linebacker Josh Sweat were both given rest days, which is standard for veterans this time of year.
But the bigger question mark is at left guard, where Evan Brown continues to be away from the team due to a family matter. Brown has now missed two straight games, and when asked if the veteran lineman might return before the season wraps, head coach Jonathan Gannon didn’t offer much clarity, saying, “We’ll see.
I’m not quite sure yet. Like I said, he’s dealing with a family thing, but I’m thinking about him.”
The most encouraging development? Rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was listed as a limited participant.
That’s a big shift after he missed two games and hadn’t practiced at all the last two weeks. Getting him back on the field, even in a limited capacity, is a step in the right direction.
Safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson was also limited after being sidelined for five weeks. Both players' statuses will be worth monitoring as the week progresses.
Left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., a key piece of the offensive line, was listed as a non-participant due to a knee injury. That’s one to watch closely. Cornerback Darren Hall (concussion protocol) and Max Melton (heel) were also out, along with safety Jalen Thompson, who’s dealing with a hamstring issue.
On the positive side, safety Budda Baker (thumb), cornerback Will Johnson (thumb), and defensive lineman L.J. Collier (knee) were all full participants.
Collier is especially interesting-he’s still technically on injured reserve but has been practicing since Dec. 3.
His 21-day activation window closes next week, and with an open spot on the 53-man roster, he could be a candidate to return soon.
Here’s a full breakdown of the Cardinals’ Wednesday injury report:
Did Not Participate
- *RT Kelvin Beachum (rest)
- *LG Evan Brown (personal)
- CB Darren Hall (concussion)
- *LT Paris Johnson Jr. (knee)
- CB Max Melton (heel)
- *OLB Josh Sweat (rest)
- S Jalen Thompson (hamstring)
Limited Participation
- *WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
- S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson
- CB Antonio Simon (injured in last game, played 8 snaps)
Full Participation
- *S Budda Baker (thumb)
- DL L.J. Collier (knee; practicing while on IR)
- *CB Will Johnson (thumb)
As for the Falcons, they listed seven players on their report, but only three are dealing with injuries. The big news there is wide receiver Drake London returning to practice in a limited capacity after missing the last four games. That’s a potential boost for Atlanta’s passing game heading into the weekend.
Cornerback Mike Hughes, who went down last Thursday against Tampa Bay, didn’t practice and has already been ruled out by head coach Raheem Morris. Defensive end Leonard Floyd and running back Bijan Robinson were both limited due to illness, but there’s no indication yet that their availability for Sunday is in serious doubt.
Here’s the Falcons’ injury report from Wednesday:
Did Not Participate
- *DE Leonard Floyd (illness)
- WR KhaDarel Hodge (shoulder)
- *CB Mike Hughes (ankle)
- QB Easton Stick (personal)
Limited Participation
- *WR Drake London (knee)
- CB Dee Alford (illness)
- *RB Bijan Robinson (illness)
With both teams dealing with a mix of injuries and rest-related absences, Thursday and Friday’s reports will give us a clearer picture of who’s trending toward playing. For Arizona, the potential return of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Dadrion Taylor-Demerson could provide a late-season spark, especially with so many starters banged up.