We’re just one game into the 2017 regular season and injuries are already starting to have an effect on the Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals had done it. Despite playing in an extra preseason game, the team was entering into the 2017 regular-season opener relatively healthy. Quite a feat, considering the advanced age of a good number of the Cards’ players.
That luck appears to be running out. With the live bullets now flying, Arizona is starting to lose some players. Including one that was without a doubt the biggest offensive threat that the squad had to offer.
David Johnson, arguably the best running back in the NFL, is slated to miss months with a wrist injury. A crying shame, considering the high hopes that the Cardinals had for their third-year star. There was talk of Johnson rushing for 1000 yards and also gaining another 1000 yards receiving during the current campaign.
Johnson, who’s injury occurred during last Sunday’s loss to the Detroit Lions, wasn’t the only Card to get hurt that day. Starting left tackle D.J Humphries also exited the contest after suffering a knee sprain in the first quarter. Arizona caught a break with this one since it was announced that their 2015 first-round draft pick will miss just one or two weeks.
The Cardinals’ tight ends have taken a hit over the last couple of days. It’s been revealed that starter Jermaine Gresham has injured ribs, which have caused him to miss two practice sessions this week. Whether he’ll be able to give it a go or not against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday has yet to be determined.
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What would a Cards’ season be without any injury to Troy Niklas? Arizona’s number-two tight end is also listed on the latest injury report with a problematic hip. Because of the uncertainty surrounding Gresham and Niklas, management has signed an old friend, Jim Dray, as insurance.
It’s starting to seem like wide receiver John Brown is going to be the type of player who’s constantly nursing an injury. The quadricep concern that has plagued him throughout the offseason is apparently still an issue. Brown’s missed practice time makes it entirely possible that he sits out the Colts’ contest.
Last year’s first-round draft pick, Robert Nkemdiche, is becoming annoying with his almost constant unavailability. The latest reason for the defensive end’s inactivity is due to a bum calf. He’s been a limited participant at practice, and his status for week two is unknown.
Starting left guard Mike Iupati has missed practice twice this week with a triceps strain. If he’s unable to suit up on Sunday, newcomer Alex Boone will see his first action as a Cardinal. Inside linebacker Karlos Dansby has been dealing with a shin injury, but the arrow is pointing up for him to play versus Indianapolis.
Finally, the organization was given a lift with another inside linebacker’s presence at practice this week. Deone Bucannon, who’s been out with lingering ankle soreness, “looked good” according to head coach Bruce Arians. “Buc” returning to action this weekend could be a great thing for not only the defense, but the whole team as well.