The Arizona Cardinals have placed rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson, offensive lineman Christian Jones and running back Tony Jones Jr. on the injured list as 53 roster cuts are pending Tuesday.
Both Robinson (calf) and Christian Jones (ankle) are expected to be ready to play at some point this season and could be back in Week 5. Tony Jones (shoulder) is out for the rest of the season.
Arizona has also waived or injured tight end Sage Surratt.
Robinson missed the closed portion of practice on Thursday because of the calf injury, head coach Jonathan Gannon said on Friday.
The rookie defensive lineman joined the Cardinals as the No. 27 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Missouri Tiger stood out on the defensive line thanks to his versatility, especially after he recorded 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss as a fifth-year senior.
By all appearances, his game has translated to the next level, and Robinson has been one of Arizona’s standout players throughout training camp.
“I have a feeling the kid is going to deliver this year. He could probably be the best defensive rookie if he keeps going the way I think he is.”
Arizona Cardinals DL LJ Collier expects big things from rookie Darius Robinson. pic.twitter.com/J7D2xU4sa7
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) 21 August 2024
“The sky’s the limit for the kid,” veteran defensive lineman LJ Collier said Wednesday. “I’m not one of those guys that gets on your nerves all the time. I like to let people play freely. I think if we leave him alone and let him be where he needs to be, he’s not going to let up.”
“I feel like he might have a few things here and there, but I think the kid is going to come out on top this year. He could probably be Defensive Rookie of the Year if he stays on the trajectory that I expect him to be on.”
😤😤😤 pic.twitter.com/ira32wEsLt
— Cardinals Corner (@AZCardsCorner) July 30, 2024
Christian Jones suffered an ankle injury in the final preseason game against the Denver Broncos. Gannon said Monday that the lineman’s X-rays came back negative, but further tests are still being conducted.
The lineman joined the Cardinals last April as a fifth-round draft pick from Texas.
Tony Jones also went down against the Broncos.
What will the defense look like if Darius Robinson is out?
Robinson had a good chance of securing a starting position on the defensive line – even though he was only listed as a substitute in the rankings.
With Robinson out, Bilal Nichols, Roy Lopez and Justin Jones are expected to start on the defensive line.
Nichols and Jones are the newcomers to the team after signing three-year deals with the Cardinals in the offseason, and one of the league’s worst defensive lines needed an influx of talent.
Jones recorded 4.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 17 QB hits for the Chicago Bears in 2024. Nichols recorded 1.5 sacks, four tackles for loss and two QB hits for the Las Vegas Raiders.
In addition to their play, the two also bring availability. Nichols has started nearly every game (65) since 2020, while Jones has played full seasons in two consecutive years.
Collier and second-year pro Dante Stills should also fill important rotation roles.
The veteran didn’t get a chance to show Cardinals fans much last year due to a torn bicep in Week 1, but has had a decent training camp and preseason this year.
Stills, meanwhile, recorded 3.5 sacks, five tackles for loss and five QB hits in 15 games (eight starts) as a rookie.
