The Arizona Cardinals are limping into Week 14, and not just in the figurative sense. Already battered by injuries, the Cardinals’ receiving corps took another hit late Saturday night with reports that rookie wideout Xavier Weaver is not expected to suit up against the Los Angeles Rams. That’s one more name added to a growing list of unavailable playmakers, and it’s making a tough season even tougher in the desert.
Weaver, who was listed as questionable with a hamstring injury, now joins a depleted group that’s missing top target Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) and slot receiver Greg Dortch, who recently landed on injured reserve with a chest injury. Earlier in the year, Arizona also lost Zay Jones and Simi Fehoko to IR.
That leaves the Cardinals incredibly thin at wide receiver, with veteran Michael Wilson and tight end Trey McBride as the most reliable options left in the passing game. Practice squad call-ups Trent Sherfield and Jalen Brooks are likely to see significant snaps.
While Weaver hasn’t been a major part of the offense - just three catches for 24 yards on eight targets - his absence still stings. With so few healthy bodies, every available pass-catcher matters, especially one who’s been in the system all season.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett will once again be tasked with keeping the offense afloat. He’s been steady this season, throwing for 2,188 yards with 13 touchdowns and just four interceptions. His 67.5% completion rate and 243.1 passing yards per game highlight his efficiency, even as the offense around him has been in flux.
Trey McBride has emerged as the clear No. 1 option in the passing game - and not just in Arizona. The second-year tight end leads the entire NFL with 88 receptions, racking up 879 yards and eight touchdowns in 12 games.
He’s become Brissett’s go-to target and a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season. Before his injury, Harrison Jr. was also producing solid numbers, posting 594 yards and four touchdowns on 40 catches.
Running back Bam Knight has chipped in where he can, tallying four rushing touchdowns and 255 yards on the ground, along with 142 receiving yards. But with the offense missing so many key pieces, it’s been hard to find rhythm or consistency.
Defensively, there have been standout performances - edge rusher Josh Sweat has notched 11 sacks, safety Budda Baker leads the team with 87 tackles and an interception, and Jalen Thompson has added 74 tackles and six passes defended. Still, the unit has struggled to contain opponents, giving up 25.3 points per game - a number that’s made it difficult for the offense to keep up, especially when shorthanded.
The injury list heading into Sunday’s game is long and painful. In addition to the wide receiver woes, the Cardinals have ruled out quarterback Kyler Murray (foot), cornerback Max Melton (heel), running backs Emari Demercado (ankle) and Trey Benson (knee), defensive tackle Walter Nolen III (knee), and defensive back Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (ankle).
At 3-9 and officially out of the playoff picture for the fourth straight season, Arizona is now playing for pride - and for the development of its young core. Sunday’s matchup against the Rams won’t be easy, especially with so many starters sidelined, but it’s another opportunity for players like McBride, Wilson, and Knight to step up and show what they can do under pressure.
There’s no sugarcoating the situation: the Cardinals are beat up and out of contention. But in a league where every snap is evaluated and every game is a chance to build for the future, there’s still something to play for in Arizona - even if it’s not a playoff berth.