Arizona Cardinals send another to injured reserve
By Scott Allen
The Arizona Cardinals placed their third player on injured reserve this week
In 2014 it was next man up for the Arizona Cardinals. Fast forward two years to 2016 and it seems the phrase is still around.
The Cardinals placed guard Evan Mathis on injured reserve on Saturday, effectively ending his season and maybe his career. Mathis is the third player to be placed on injured reserve by the team this week.
Earlier this week the Cardinals added safety Tyvon Branch and running back Chris Johnson to the injured reserve. Neither was immediately give the return designation but it is thought one of them will before too long.
Either way, the injuries are piling up. Not only do the Cardinals have these guys on IR, there is also quarterback Carson Palmer dealing with a concussion, tight end Darren Fells missed the 49ers game as well.
The Cardinals also lost guard Mike Iupati on Thursday night. His status is currently unknown. The Cardinals in response signed another offensive lineman, Ulrick John.
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In addition to Palmer being in the concussion protocol, linebacker Kevin Minter is as well. Coach Bruce Arians on Friday though called his condition mild and should be just fine. It’s a good thing the Cardinals are off until Wednesday. Next game is still nine days away against the New York Jets.
At this rate the Cardinals roster will hardly resemble what they started with. For a team that may have saved its season on Thursday night in victory over the San Francisco 49ers, that is a huge concern. There are still 11 games remaining.
The Cardinals have also dodged some bullets with other players injured earlier. Receiver John Brown finally looked himself in week four with 10 receptions for 144 yards after spending most of training camp sidelined due to a concussion. Also receiver Larry Fitzgerald had a MCL sprain. He is having a great season so far.