The Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers are both dealing with notable injury issues heading into Sunday’s Week 3 matchup, and each team has already made some hard calls.
Arizona ruled out Dadrion Taylor-Demerson with a back injury on Friday. Roy Lopez, who is dealing with a groin issue, and Max Melton, who has a toe injury, are both listed as questionable.
The Cardinals also got some good news this week, with Jacoby Brissett, Hjalte Froholdt, Isaac Seumalo, Josh Sweat, Garrett Williams and Mack Wilson Sr. all cleared off the injury report.
San Francisco’s list is even heavier. The 49ers ruled out Nick Bosa, who is dealing with a calf injury, along with Romello Height (hand), Demarcus Robinson (ankle) and James Thompson (ankle). Mike Evans is questionable because of a hip injury, while Drew Greenlaw, Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams are set to go for Sunday.
Both teams can still make up to two practice squad elevations on Saturday, a move worth watching closely for any hint about how confident either side feels in a position group heading into kickoff.
The NFL’s final inactive list will come 90 minutes before the game. With Cardinals-49ers set for 1:05 pm PST, those inactives will be announced at 11:35 AM on Sunday.
Earlier in the week, LaFleur addressed Arizona’s defense after two games, a unit that drew scrutiny after giving up 31 points to the Seahawks last week.
“I think these guys - through two games - I think their play style is right. I think they’re made of the right stuff.
I think we have men on defense. We have things to clean up, no doubt.
We’re only going to continue to improve like I think all of the 31 teams think. I appreciate their work," he said.
"Even on that last drive, like I told you guys yesterday and I told them, I appreciated that last drive. They fought.
I don’t blame Seattle for scoring there either. That was giving dessert to their (offensive) line and I understood that from (Seahawks Head Coach) Mike’s (Macdonald) perspective.
I appreciate the way those guys worked. We put them on the field too often there in the second half.
First half - we had the time of possession in the first half.
"I thought in some aspects we were controlling the first half. We go in at 7-7, and it wasn’t even a tale of two different (halves), it was two completely different games. I don’t care for the narrative of if we recover that fumble - we didn’t so line it up and snap it.”
In Other News...
Cardinals Injury Report Raises New Concern Ahead Of 49ers Game
The Cardinals first injury report of the week brought a significant change on the back end, with cornerback Will Johnson moved to injured reserve because of a neck injury. That puts him out for the rest of the season and forces Arizona to keep adjusting its depth as it prepares for a divisional matchup with the 49ers, while Starling Thomas V was promoted from the practice squad to help fill the void.
The rest of the report added more unease, with several players either not participating or working in a limited capacity because of injuries or rest. For a team already trying to hold up against a San Francisco roster that tends to test every weak spot, the health picture now becomes part of the game plan, and the Cardinals will be watching closely to see who can get through the week and who might not be ready when Sunday arrives. [Read more 🡒]
Nick Bosa Suddenly Looms Over Cardinals In A Different Way
Nick Bosas week took an unexpected turn when the 49ers edge rusher sat out a second straight practice because of a calf issue, adding another layer to the ongoing management of his surgically repaired right knee. The uncertainty comes with San Francisco preparing for its next game against the Cardinals, and Bosas status has quickly become one of the biggest watch points on the injury report.
For Arizona, the situation matters even before a final update is released. Bosa has played in two games this season without recording a sack, but his presence still changes how offenses have to prepare for San Francisco, and the 49ers defense is clearly feeling the weight of his availability. Until the team provides more clarity, the Cardinals have reason to keep an eye on a matchup that could look very different depending on how Bosa responds over the next few days. [Read more 🡒]
Cardinals Just Created A Real QB Watch Behind Jacoby Brissett
Practice on Wednesday offered a notable twist for the Cardinals, as rookie quarterback Carson Beck was seen working with the first-team offense and throwing to Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride. The added reps come at a time when the quarterback room is under more scrutiny than usual, with Jacoby Brissett coming off an underwhelming performance in the previous game.
No official change has been announced, but the Cardinals approach suggests Beck is being prepared as a real option if the need arises. For a team trying to steady its offense, getting a rookie more integrated with the starters now is the kind of move that can signal caution without saying anything outright. [Read more 🡒]