Three questions facing the Arizona Cardinals in week six

Who will step up in the pass rush?

Now that Jones is out for the season with a biceps injury, the Cardinals need someone to step up and become the next blue-chip pass rusher. And while the Cards have players capable of stepping up, none have Jones’ experience nor will they draw the attention Jones drew.

Dennis Gardeck had a career outing in week five against the Jets when he recorded his first two career sacks. Once considered an NFL longshot, Gardeck has solidified himself on special teams and stepped up big in Jones’ absence.

While Gardeck played lights out last Sunday, he has never seen extended playing time with the starting lineup. Enter Haason Reddick, who has played well in a rotational role on the outside. While Reddick has still underachieved as far as former first-round draft picks are concerned, he brings experience Gardeck lacks.

Devon Kennard missed the last two games and was limited this week in practice. However, he has recorded two sacks in three starts in 2020 and he’s the immediate next man up if the Cardinals can get him back on Monday night. But can he take over Jones’ role?

Kylie Fitts also joined in the rotation, playing 17 percent of the defensive snap counts in 2020. But even without Jones in the lineup, he remains fringe on the defensive side of the ball, playing mainly on special teams. Fitts is the least likely of all the candidates listed to step up and replace Jones and will only do so if Kennard and Gardeck can’t go.

Gardeck and Fitts were held out of practice on Friday, so the jury is still out as to whether they will play on Monday. Kennard was still listed as limited.