Injury Concerns Mount for Cardinals Ahead of Buccaneers Showdown
As the Arizona Cardinals prepare for their critical Week 13 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, injury reports are starting to paint a concerning picture for both teams. Key players for both rosters are listed as questionable, raising the stakes as kickoff approaches.
Cardinals’ Injury List Grows
The Cardinals have several significant names on their injury report. Offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum (groin), guard Hayden Conner (knee), receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (illness), running back Bam Knight (knee), and cornerback Max Melton (heel) are all marked as questionable. This follows a series of earlier rulings, with linebacker Trey Benson (knee), running back Emari Demercado (ankle), guard Will Hernandez (hip/knee), and defensive linemen Christian Jones (knee), Walter Nolen (knee), and Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (ankle) already confirmed as out.
Buccaneers Dealing with Doubts
On the other side, the Buccaneers are also facing their own injury challenges. Defensive backs Ben Morrison (hamstring) and Rashad Wisdom (quad) have been ruled out. Meanwhile, several players, including guard Ben Bredeson (hamstring), cornerback Jamel Dean (hip), running back Bucky Irving (shoulder/foot), quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder), linebacker Anthony Nelson (ribs), and edge rusher Haason Reddick (ankle/knee), are all considered questionable for the game.
Baker Mayfield’s Status Uncertain but Optimistic
The most closely watched injury belongs to Baker Mayfield. After spraining his AC joint during last week’s game, Mayfield’s participation in practice has been a promising sign. Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles indicated that Mayfield is trending towards a start, as he participated fully in practice sessions over the last two days.
“From my perspective, he’s one of the toughest players in the entire NFL,” Bowles said, highlighting Mayfield’s resilience. “If he can play, I’m sure he’ll play. But you’ve got to have two plans ready.”
This sentiment was echoed by Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, who acknowledged the need for flexibility in preparation depending on Mayfield’s availability. “You really do because they are different players,” Gannon noted, emphasizing the potential changes in strategy if Mayfield were to be replaced by backup Teddy Bridgewater.
Cardinals Prepare for a Defensive Challenge
The Cardinals have their own set of challenges, particularly with their offense. Only Beachum and Melton have missed practice this week among the questionable players. Harrison, who has been sidelined for the past two weeks due to appendicitis, expressed optimism about his condition, stating he feels good despite lingering discomfort. His presence could be pivotal as the Cardinals aim to navigate the complexities of facing Bowles’ defensive schemes.
“Ever since I’ve been in the league, he’s been impressive,” Gannon remarked on Bowles’ defensive acumen. “He studies the game deeply and adapts at every stop. He has his staples but is very creative in how he approaches the game, particularly with the run and protection schemes. He puts his players in great positions to succeed.”
Anticipation Builds for Kickoff
As both teams finalize their strategies, they will have the chance to elevate two players from their practice squads ahead of Sunday’s game. Official inactives will be announced 90 minutes before kickoff, which is set for 11 AM MST. With critical injuries on both sides, fans can expect an intense battle as the Cardinals and Buccaneers clash on the field.
