The Arizona Cardinals’ Week 7 injury situation is getting uglier by the day.
On Thursday, Arizona’s report added Darius Robinson and Jon Gaines to a list that was already crowded with names like Walter Nolen, Budda Baker and Jeremiyah Love. That’s a serious problem for a team heading into a matchup with the Denver Broncos with plenty on the line and not much margin for error.
The Cardinals are trying to play spoiler again against Denver, but that gets a lot tougher if key defenders can’t suit up. Baker, Love, Wingard and Nolen have now missed back-to-back days of practice, leaving their availability in real doubt. With Arizona hoping to expose a dysfunctional Broncos offense, the defense may be forced to do heavy lifting with a thinner-than-ideal lineup.
The challenge doesn’t stop there. Arizona’s offense also has a difficult assignment against one of the league’s best defenses, and head coach Mike LaFleur didn’t sugarcoat what Denver brings.
“Last few years. They’re very smart. They’re very well coached," Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur said of the Broncos' defense.
"I have as much respect for ‘VJ’ (Broncos Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph) as anyone in this league. They do it their own way.
I don’t want to say they’re not with the times - whatever that means but it’s got an old-school approach to it in terms of some of their coverage and that’s a credit to them. You can tell ‘VJ’ and those guys believe in what they believe in and they’re unapologetic with it.
"They play really hard. I see 11 guys working in unison.
It’s a challenge. Yes, it’s the last two weeks, but it’s really been all year, and it’s been for a few years now.
We have our hands full with this group, for sure.”
In Other News...
Cardinals Injury Report Raises A Real Week 7 Concern
The first injury reports for the Cardinals and Broncos have already added some uncertainty to Sundays Week 7 matchup at State Farm Stadium. Arizona is tracking a concern with Love, who is dealing with an ankle injury, while Denvers early list also points to possible absences on the other side of the ball. It is the kind of midweek update that can quickly reshape how both staffs approach the game plan.
LaFleur said Love will not be back until he is fully recovered, which puts his status in real doubt for a second straight game. The Broncos, meanwhile, opened the week with key names in Surtain and Hufanga on the report, and LaFleur also had praise for Denver defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and what his defense has done so far. With both teams waiting on more clarity later in the week, the injury picture may end up being as important as anything on the field. [Read more 🡒]
Cardinals Momentum Suddenly Comes With One Big Jeremiyah Love Concern
The Cardinals momentum after a Week 6 win over the Rams comes with a familiar sort of wobble in the backfield. Jeremiyah Love was unavailable for that victory because of an ankle injury, and the team had to lean on Zonovan Knight and Tyler Allegier to carry the load at running back. For a club trying to build on a good result, the absence of one of its key playmakers is hard to ignore.
Love also missed Wednesdays practice to open the week, which only adds to the uncertainty heading into Sundays matchup with the Broncos. The injury came the week before, and Arizona now has to monitor his work over the next couple of days as it tries to get a better read on whether he can give it a go in Week 7. [Read more 🡒]
Cardinals Depth Chart Shows Where Roster Changes Could Matter Vs Broncos
The Cardinals Week 7 depth chart is in, and it arrives with a few roster tweaks that could ripple through Sundays matchup with the Broncos. Arizona made a handful of moves this week, claiming tackle Albert Reese off waivers, moving on from tight end Shawn Bowman and activating safety Kitan Crawford from injured reserve, all while laying out where players sit on offense, defense and special teams for the upcoming game.
The changes matter because they hint at where the Cardinals are trying to shore up depth without yet spelling out every detail. Reese is now part of a tackle group that includes five players, but his exact place in the pecking order is still unclear, leaving one of the more interesting questions on the roster heading into game day. [Read more 🡒]