The first injury report of Week 9 between the Cardinals and Seahawks already reads like a headline in itself.
Arizona listed Budda Baker and Josh Sweat on rest days, two notable names to watch with the trade deadline looming next week, while Walter Nolen was back on the practice field. Seattle’s report came with its own weight: Sam Darnold is already out for Week 9, and Leonard Williams, Quenton Nelson and others also showed up on the list.
That sets the stage for a Cardinals team moving ahead with Gardner Minshew under center. It will be his first official start of 2026 after Arizona dealt Jacoby Brissett. Mike LaFleur said Minshew’s approach hasn’t changed.
“I think he kind of showed all of us in terms of him going out there being the competitor that he is. Doesn’t shock me. The production was pretty wild in terms of the amount of points and just moving up and down the field, but he’s a competitor and he’s always prepared," Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur said of Minshew.
"He’s preparing like he’s the starter. He’s preparing like he’s going to be in there for whatever snap.
He supported Jacoby at a high level too. He’s been a great backup for him.
He’s been great for the room and (I) look forward to the challenge that we have this week with him.”
Seattle, meanwhile, is turning to Drew Lock for a second start against Arizona after ruling Darnold out. The Seahawks are 4-4 and trying to steady themselves after dropping three of their last four.
LaFleur also pointed to the challenge waiting in Seattle.
"We know what kind of challenges it's going to be. We're going into a hostile environment against arguably the best defense in football, an offense that we know firsthand can score points," LaFleur said of facing Seattle.
Both teams still have two practices left this week, Thursday and Friday, before final designations are made. After Friday’s session, players will be labeled out, questionable or doubtful.
Saturday could also matter. The Cardinals and Seahawks can each elevate up to two players from the practice squad, and Friday’s injury report may offer the clearest hint yet about who is trending toward playing.
Final inactives are due 90 minutes before kickoff Sunday, when teams must settle on their 48-player game day roster. For the 2:25 PM MST kickoff in Seattle, that deadline comes at 12:55 PM MST.
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Taylors production has again made him one of the most intriguing names on the market, with 587 rushing yards and eight touchdowns through seven games this season. Indianapolis is said to be open to offers, and Seattles interest fits the moment: after investing in protection up front, the next question is whether the Seahawks are ready to pay the price to pair that line with a proven difference-maker in the run game. [Read more 🡒]
Seahawks Could Get Jaxon Smith-Njigba Help From An Unlikely Rival Source
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If that door opens, the Seahawks could find themselves in an unusual spot: eyeing help for Jaxon Smith-Njigba from a division rival. Seattle has been looking to strengthen its wide receiver group, and a player of Aiyuks caliber becoming available would give the team a chance to explore a move that would have seemed far-fetched not long ago. [Read more 🡒]