Cardinals Face Injury Challenges Ahead of Texans Matchup
The Arizona Cardinals have released their final injury report ahead of their Week 15 clash against the Houston Texans, revealing a significant injury toll. Eight players have been officially ruled out, while five others are listed as questionable, casting a shadow over the team’s preparations for Sunday’s game.
Key Players Ruled Out
Among the notable names absent from the lineup are Marvin Harrison Jr. and Paris Johnson Jr., both of whom have been pivotal to the Cardinals’ season. Other players sidelined include:
Evan Brown (personal)
Max Melton (heel)
Bilal Nichols (knee)
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (ankle)
Jalen Thompson (hamstring)
Xavier Weaver (hamstring)
The list highlights the depth challenges that the Cardinals will face as they gear up for a formidable opponent.
Questionable Players Add to Uncertainty
In addition to the eight players ruled out, five members of the roster are considered questionable for the game. This group includes:
L.J. Collier (knee)
Emari Demercado (ankle)
Christian Jones (knee)
Walter Nolen III (knee)
Elijah Higgins (illness)
The uncertainty surrounding these players could significantly impact the game plan and execution on the field.
Positive News Amidst Adversity
On a brighter note, the Cardinals received some encouraging news as safety Budda Baker and defensive end Will Johnson have been cleared from the injury report and are set to play. Additionally, key players resting due to previous injuries, including Josh Sweat, Kelvin Beachum, Calais Campbell, and Dalvin Tomlinson, have also been given the green light to participate.
Tough Challenge Against a Formidable Opponent
The Cardinals are heading into the matchup against the Texans shorthanded, which is a daunting prospect. The Texans come into this game riding a five-game winning streak, having established themselves as a robust defensive unit, allowing a league-low average of 16 points per game.
Facing the Texans’ dynamic duo of Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., both known for their double-digit sack totals, presents a significant challenge. Head coach Jonathan Gannon acknowledged the difficulty, stating, “You have to have a plan for both of them, and it’s hard to put two on each of them every snap. There’s no doubt about it. You run out of numbers. We just have to do a good job with those guys. It’s a big-time challenge, and our offense knows that.”
Gannon emphasized the team’s need to strategize effectively to minimize the impact of Houston’s defensive stars, noting the importance of being aware of the game-changing plays they can create.
Texans Injury Report Remains Favorable
On the Texans’ side, they have not ruled out any players for the contest. However, four players are listed as questionable: Harrison Bryant (neck/shoulder), Nick Chubb (ribs), E.J. Speed (knee), and Justin Watson (calf), with only Chubb missing practice among that group. Fortunately, key players such as Azeez Al-Shaair, Kamari Lassiter, Woody Marks, and Sheldon Rankins have been cleared to play, strengthening their roster as they prepare to take on the Cardinals.
