5 players the Arizona Cardinals can’t afford to lose

Jul 29, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) calls signals at the line of scrimmage during training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) calls signals at the line of scrimmage during training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 29, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) runs with the ball during training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) runs with the ball during training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

The Arizona Cardinals can ill-afford to lose these important players

The Arizona Cardinals have gotten off to a not-so-great start in the injury department the first couple of days of training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.  Nothing catastrophic so far but the number of injured is alarming.

Rookie Robert Nkemdiche is already out at least the first two weeks of camp with a high ankle sprain.  Cornerback Justin Bethel suffered a setback from his offseason surgery on his ankle. Cornerback Mike Jenkins broke his hand in day one of practice.

Tight end Jermaine Gresham has a tight hamstring and defensive tackle Red Bryant has a sore Achilles.  Let’s also not forget it is likely about three weeks until safety Tyrann Mathieu returns to practice from his rehab on his torn ACL from week 15 of the 2015 season.

Injuries have always been a part of football and will always be.  They happen and teams deal with them as they come.  It is equally as frustrating for fans but what are you going to do?  The Cardinals had their share in 2014.  They stayed relatively healthy in 2015.

Now as they head into the 2016 season and the way camp has started off, depth will be tested at several positions.  There are some players however that no matter who you go find, can not be replaced.

As we saw in 2015, some injuries were just harder to overcome more than others.  Here are five players that the Cardinals can’t afford to lose if they want to continue with their goal of not only getting to the Super Bowl but winning it.

Next: The new star running back