Arizona Cardinals might be alright losing Hakeem Butler

The Arizona Cardinals rookie receiver has a fractured hand

It may be a blessing in disguise for the Arizona Cardinals.  Though we feel for rookie receiver Hakeem Butler after he fractured his hand, it may open the door for another bubble receiver.

Butler could land on injured reserve but coach Kliff Kingsbury indicated they will make that determination at the end of the preseason next week.  For now, it looks like a new opportunity for someone maybe like a Kevin White, or even Chad Williams?

Though still a long shot for White and Williams, it leaves open the maybe for each of them.  Butler was likely going to be low on the depth chart anyway and a strong candidate for the weekly inactive list on Sunday’s.

Butler can watch from the sidelines this season and still attend meetings, get to learn the offense more in the meantime.  For now, we do hope he has a successful healing period.

The prevailing thought at this point is the Cardinals bring in another veteran receiver.  That could happen through trade or free agency.  They could even wait until teams make their cuts next week.

As of right now the sure things at receiver are Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk, Andy Isabella, KeeSean Johnson, and Trent Sherfield.  It would be a minor shock if the Cardinals didn’t go seven deep on the 53-man roster.

That leaves bubble players White, Williams, Damiere Byrd, and Pharoh Cooper.  There will be some big decisions to be made.  If Butler does go on IR, remember he may not be lost for the season.  He could still be designated for return later on, but would have to miss at least eight weeks, eligible to come off the list and start practicing after six weeks.

For now, we wish Butler well and hope that is the last of the major injuries the Cardinals have to face for awhile.  It is however always a possibility, one this team can’t really afford.