GLENDALE – The news of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. being out for Week 10 vs. the Seattle Seahawks could lead to a nightmare scenario against a top-five scoring offense in the NFL. Wilson is just one of the many defensive starters out for Sunday’s game, leading to Arizona being force to rely on unlikely faces like rookie linebacker Cody Simon, who will replace Wilson as the green dot.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The former fourth-round pick is set to make his first career, after coming off a memorable Week 9 performance. Simon played the most defensive snaps in his career with 20 vs. the Dallas Cowboys and forced the game-sealing fumble to secure Arizona the win.
After only playing 23 defensive snaps in the first nine weeks, Simon will be the defensive play caller for the Cardinals defense, a role he is ready to take on full charge.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) runs against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) and linebacker Cody Simon (50) in the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Simon on prepartion for first career start:
The green dot role for Simon is nothing new for the rookie. Even outside of the practice field, where he stated the team practiced him in that role countless times, Simon was the leader of the National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes defense in 2024. Simon was named defensive MVP in the National Champion game to cap off a 14-2 season for Ohio State, where he was the leader of the defense all season.
Cardinals linebacker Cody Simon (50) looks at the Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun (19) as he snaps the ball during a preseason game at State Farm Stadium on Aug. 9, 2025, in Glendale.
Arizona will throw Simon into the deep end against one the most efficient offenses in the league. However, in his limited snaps vs. Dallas, he illustrated his impressive composure as a rookie to come in on a national televised stage against America’s Team and not be phased.
When drafted this past Spring, one of Simon’s best qualities was his IQ and maturity. Sunday will be his first test to continue his legacy that he started as a Buckeye to be the leader of the Cardinals defense.
Cardinals lose three defensive starters ahead of Week 10 vs. Seahawks
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
