The Arizona Cardinals are heading into Week 13 with their backs against the wall. At 3-8 and riding a three-game losing streak, they’ve dropped eight of their last nine and are now tasked with trying to snap that skid on the road against a 6-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that’s starting to get healthier at just the right time.
Both squads have been hit hard by injuries this season, but the final Week 13 injury reports offer a clearer picture of who’s in and who’s out-and there are some important updates that could shape how this game unfolds.
Cardinals Injury Report: Depth Takes a Hit
Arizona will be without several key contributors, particularly on offense.
- Running backs Trey Benson (knee) and Emari Demercado (ankle) are both ruled out, thinning an already depleted backfield. That puts added pressure on the remaining backs to shoulder the load-especially with Bam Knight still nursing a knee injury. Knight, who’s also been dealing with an ankle issue from the previous week, was limited in practice but is expected to play.
- The offensive line takes a significant hit as well. Right guard Will Hernandez has been placed on injured reserve with hip and knee issues, and tackle Christian Jones (knee) is also out.
Add in Hayden Conner (knee) being questionable, and this unit is battling just to stay upright. Kelvin Beachum (groin) is also questionable, meaning the Cardinals could be down multiple starters in the trenches.
- On defense, defensive lineman Walter Nolen III (knee) and safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (ankle) are both out, which could impact Arizona’s ability to contain Tampa Bay’s run game and defend over the top.
- Cornerback Max Melton (heel) is listed as questionable, and his availability could be crucial against a Tampa offense that likes to test the secondary.
One bright spot: Marvin Harrison Jr., who missed the last two games after undergoing an appendectomy, is expected to return. He’s officially listed as questionable due to illness, but all signs point to him suiting up. That’s a major boost for a Cardinals offense that desperately needs a playmaker on the outside.
Buccaneers Injury Report: Key Players Trending Toward Playing
Tampa Bay isn’t at full strength either, but they’re getting healthier in some important spots.
- Cornerback Benjamin Morrison (hamstring) and safety Rashad Wisdom (quadriceps) have both been ruled out, which could open up opportunities for Arizona’s passing game-especially with Harrison Jr. likely back in the lineup.
- Several key players are listed as questionable, but most are trending in the right direction. Quarterback Baker Mayfield, who injured his non-throwing shoulder in last week’s loss to the Rams, didn’t practice Wednesday but ramped up to full participation by Friday. He’s expected to start.
- Running back Bucky Irving, who’s been sidelined since Week 4 with shoulder and foot injuries, is set to return. However, he’s likely to be eased back into action with a limited snap count.
- On defense, outside linebacker Hasson Reddick (ankle/knee), Anthony Nelson (ribs), and cornerback Jamel Dean (hip) are all questionable. Reddick’s availability in particular could have a big impact on Tampa’s pass rush-especially against a banged-up Cardinals offensive line.
- Left guard Ben Bredeson (hamstring) is also questionable, but the Buccaneers’ offensive line has shown it can plug and play when needed.
What It All Means
For the Cardinals, the story is simple: they’re limping into this matchup, both figuratively and literally. The offensive line is a patchwork unit right now, and the backfield is missing two key contributors. If Marvin Harrison Jr. is truly ready to go, expect him to be heavily featured, especially if Tampa is down two starters in the secondary.
On the Bucs’ side, the return of Baker Mayfield and Bucky Irving gives the offense a lift, even if Irving is on a pitch count. The defense isn’t fully healthy, but if Reddick can suit up, his presence off the edge could be a game-changer against an Arizona line that’s scrambling for answers.
Both teams are dealing with attrition, but the Bucs are starting to get healthy at the right time, while the Cardinals are still trying to hold things together. As kickoff approaches, health-and who can make the most of what they’ve got-may end up being the deciding factor.