Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon ruled out three defensive players before practice Friday for Sunday’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (neck) and defensive lineman Roy Lopez (ankle) will not be available for the Week 8 matchup. Additionally, rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson will not be activated to the team’s 53-man roster, as he has missed all season with a calf injury. Arizona opened his 21-day practice window to return from injured reserve on Oct. 9, meaning he will likely be activated next week.
(via Sports Illustrated’s Donnie Druin)
Darius Robinson, Roy Lopez and Sean Murphy-Bunting will be out, per Jonathan Gannon #AZCardinals
— Donnie Druin (@DonnieDruin) October 25, 2024
Murphy-Bunting and Lopez have played and started in all seven games for the Cardinals (3-4) so far this season. They both suffered their injuries in Arizona’s 17-15 Week 7 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday and have not practiced this week.
Murphy-Bunting has been underwhelming in his first season with Arizona since signing a reported three-year, $25 million deal with the team this offseason. He has 24 tackles, an interceptions and two pass deflections on the season.
Arizona’s defensive line is already decimated with injuries with DL Justin Jones (torn triceps), DL Bilal Nichols (stinger), OLB BJ Ojulari (torn ACL) and OLB Dennis Gardeck (torn ACL) all out for the season. Lopez has held down the nose tackle position in his second year with Arizona, recording 17 tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, two quarterback hits, a forced fumble and pass deflection in his seven games played.
Starting right tackle Kelvin Beachum (groin) also did not practice Thursday for the Cardinals, while cornerback Max Melton (neck) and linebacker Owen Pappoe (hip) were limited.
Dolphins (2-4) coach Mike McDaniel told reporters today that starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will be back under center for Miami after missing the last four games due to a concussion. Miami’s top-two wide receivers Tyreek Hill (foot) and Jaylen Waddle (quad) were notably among six Dolphins limited in practice Thursday.
The Cardinals and Dolphins will release their official injury reports later today with out, questionable and limited designations for Sunday.
Dolphins will officially get back starting QB against Cardinals
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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
