As the Arizona Cardinals prepare for their Week 5 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, the injury report presents a mix of optimism and concern. After a short week, thanks to playing on Thursday Night Football, the Cardinals enjoyed an additional practice day on Monday, providing the opportunity to assess the health of key players.
Key Injury Updates
Will Johnson: Perhaps the most encouraging news is the return of cornerback Will Johnson to practice after missing two weeks due to a groin injury. Head Coach Jonathan Gannon expressed hope for Johnson’s return: “He’s taking it day by day, he’s doing a good job. Hopefully, we’ll get him back out there.” This would be a significant boost to a secondary that has seen its share of struggles.
Trey Benson: On the other hand, running back Trey Benson did not practice, and his status remains in question. Benson was notable for not participating in the Cardinals’ final drive during Week 4, leading to the reliance on pass-catching back Emari Demercado. While Gannon did not report any specific injury following the game, the absence of Benson raises questions about depth at running back ahead of the matchup with the Titans. Should he be sidelined, veteran Michael Carter might take on a more prominent role, as he did last year when called upon.
Bilal Nichols: Another noteworthy development involves defensive tackle Bilal Nichols, who is eligible to return after starting the year on the injured reserve due to a neck injury. The Cardinals opened his practice window, granting him a 21-day timeframe to return to the active roster. Gannon commented on Nichols’ potential impact: “He’s a good football player. Can play a couple different hats for us. So it’s good to have him back out there today. He plays the way you want to play. He’s got energy and juice.” Nichols’ return could substantially enhance a defensive line that has been strained due to injuries.
Walter Nolen, B.J. Ojulari, Justin Jones, Hayden Conner, and Christian Jones: The Cardinals did not open the practice window for several other key players, including first-round pick Walter Nolen, who is recovering from a calf injury. Gannon’s assurance regarding Nolen, simply stating "No," when asked about concerns for the player’s status, suggests confidence in his eventual return.
Roster Moves
In light of the ongoing injuries, the Cardinals have made changes to their roster. The signing of running back Michael Carter from the practice squad fills the gap left by Benson’s uncertain status. Carter, who has been with the Cardinals since 2023, boasts an average of 4.8 yards per carry this season. He played a crucial role in the final games of 2022 when other RBs were unavailable, showcasing his capability to step into a lead-back position if needed.
To fill Carter’s spot on the practice squad, the team acquired D’Ernest Johnson, a seasoned running back with 95 games of experience in the NFL. With Carter potentially stepping up, Demercado is likely to be utilized primarily in a pass-catching role, while Zonovan Knight primarily contributes on special teams.
Game Analysis: Coaches’ Decisions
Gannon’s decision-making also deserves attention, particularly regarding strategic choices like opting for a PAT rather than a 2-point conversion after scoring a touchdown in Week 4. This decision, spotlighted by analysts, runs counter to modern analytics that suggest going for two in that situation could significantly increase a team’s odds of winning. Gannon addressed this, stating, “It was a discussion. I liked putting another point on the board and putting it where it was at that point in the game.” This indicates a willingness to weigh analytics against in-game scenarios.
Conclusion
As the Cardinals prepare for the Titans, the interplay of injuries and roster adjustments will be critical. With key defensive pieces like Johnson and Nichols potentially returning, alongside the emergence of Michael Carter in the backfield, the Cardinals may have the tools they need to compete effectively in Week 5. The hope is that the team’s health continues to improve, enabling them to put their best foot forward as they navigate a challenging season.
Fans will be keeping a close eye on practice reports leading up to the game, especially the first injury report released on Wednesday, which will clarify Benson’s status and any other emerging concerns. The anticipation around the Cardinals is palpable as they aim to balance player recovery with the demands of their next opponent.
