Arizona Cardinals Face Challenges with Injured Rookies

The Arizona Cardinals are once again in rebuild mode, introducing a new head coach and a promising array of draft picks. However, their efforts have been hampered as their top four rookies are all injured shortly after the start of training camp.

Arizona’s first-round draft pick is injured. The second-round pick is sidelined for the season. The third-round pick is injured. The fourth-round pick is out for the season.

The Cardinals had seven selections in the April NFL draft, and the majority are injured, leading to challenges in their roster construction.

The most recent setback involves running back Jeremiyah Love, the third player chosen in the first round of the draft. He is out indefinitely with an ankle injury. His condition raises concerns about his availability for the start of the season. This news follows an earlier announcement by head coach Mike LaFleur regarding guard Chase Bisontis, the team’s second-round pick, who will miss the entire season.

Bisontis suffered an MCL injury in his left knee during a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He will require surgery, and LaFleur confirmed that Bisontis will be placed on the Injured Reserve list, sidelining him for the season.

“He will be out for a good amount of time, if not the whole year,” LaFleur said. “Sucks for him. Always think about the player first. Sucks for the Cardinals too. He’s a good player but more importantly you hate it for the player.”

Quarterback Carson Beck, the team’s third-round pick, showed promise in his preseason debut during the Hall of Fame game. He achieved a commendable performance, completing 15 of 19 passes with a touchdown pass, indicating potential for a starting quarterback role. However, Beck is now out with rib injuries sustained during the game, casting doubt on his participation in the upcoming preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Fourth-round pick Kaleb Proctor faces similar challenges. Placed on preseason Injured Reserve on the first day of training camp, Proctor underwent surgery for a torn meniscus sustained during an Organized Team Activity session.

On a positive note, there is anticipation for the return of Love and Beck. Love’s high ankle sprain is deemed mild, with hope for recovery by Week 1 of the regular season, as shared by Dr. David Chao, OutKick’s medical expert.

Despite the ongoing injuries, the Cardinals maintain hope for recovery and future contributions from their rookies.