The Arizona Cardinals could have some major reinforcements back for their Week 6 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters that four key players—first-round rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson, kicker Matt Prater, veteran wide receiver Zay Jones and cornerback Garrett Williams—would all be returning to practice Wednesday.
The Cardinals (2-3) officially opened the 21-day practice window for Robinson, their No. 27 overall pick in April, to return after he was on injured reserve for the first five weeks of the season with a calf injury. The team can activate Robinson to the 53-man roster at any time during the next 21 days or at the conclusion of the three-week period.
The 6-foot-5, 286-pound Robinson previously played five seasons at the University of Missouri. In 43 total collegiate games, Robinson recorded 112 tackles, 13 sacks and forced one fumble, including 43 tackles and 8.5 sacks in his final season. Arizona has already lost its biggest free-agent signee, starting defensive tackle Justin Jones (torn triceps), and outside linebacker BJ Ojulari (torn ACL) for the season, so getting Robinson back will be a very welcome sight.
We have made the following roster moves:
-DL Darius Robinson has returned to practice from the IR list
-Re-sign OL Austen Pleasants to practice squad pic.twitter.com/4Q6dNEqF2j— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 9, 2024
Prater missed last week’s 24-23 win over the San Francisco 49ers with a left knee injury. The 40-year-old has made all six of his field-goal attempts this season and gone 10-for-10 on extra points. The Cardinals picked up kicker Chad Ryland to replace Prater against San Francisco, and Ryland connected on 3-of-4 field goals, but his one missed attempt was blocked and returned for a touchdown.
Jones was suspended for the first five games of the season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, and now his suspension is officially uplifted. The Cardinals are reportedly releasing veteran wide receiver Chris Moore with the news of Jones’ return, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The Cardinals signed the 29-year-old Jones to a one-year deal back in May. Jones has played 104 games (67 starts) across seven NFL seasons, recording 287 receptions for 3,028 yards and 18 touchdowns. Last year, he played in nine games (seven starts) with the Jacksonville Jaguars and caught 34 passes for 321 yards and two touchdowns.
Williams, who has arguably been Arizona’s top cover cornerback, comes back after missing Week 5 with a groin injury. Williams had an interception in Week 4 and also has 11 tackles and a pass deflection, while starting all four games he’s been available for in his second NFL season.
The Cardinals and Packers will both release their official injury reports later today with non-participant, limited and full practice designations for Wednesday.
Cardinals lose Will Hernandez for the season due to knee injury
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, exclusive content, and access to our seasonal magazines! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
