The Arizona Cardinals will be at a disadvantage on Sunday, as both Max Melton and Will Johnson, their starting cornerbacks, will be sidelined with injuries. The team will rely on rookie Denzel Burke and third-year Kei’Trel Clark will match up against the talented Seattle wideouts.
While at first glance it seemed as if it would be an unfavorable matchup, the Seattle injury report revealed that Tory Horton is listed as doubtful with lingering groin and shin injuries. In his first eight career games, Horton has averaged only 20 yards per game but has five receiving touchdowns to his name. The rookie out of Colorado State has been solid as a wide receiver and a kick returner as well.
Horton not being available is a huge loss for Seattle’s receiver depth, but one acquisition at the deadline may save Macdonald.
Seattle made the deadline deal for former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, who will be suiting up for his Seahawks debut. In nine games with the Saints, Shaheed had 44 catches for 499 yards and two touchdowns. Sam Darnold will get to test out his new weapon against a battered and bruised Arizona secondary.
Cooper Kupp was listed on the injury report with heel and hamstring injuries, but he was a full participant in Friday’s practice, meaning, in all likelihood, he will be good to go on Sunday.
Seattle’s top three wide receivers will be Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, and Rashid Shaheed in their debut with his new team.
The Cardinals will need their offense to step up in a big way in order for them to have a chance of winning.