The Arizona Cardinals’ issues this season on both sides of the ball have received a lot of attention. An offense that lacks consistency and struggles with even the most fundamental running plays. The Los Angeles Chargers were able to tie the game with a touchdown and score the game’s winning two-point conversion this past Sunday despite a defense that has generally performed well during the season and in games.
Four different kickers will be used on special teams in 2022 alone.
The Cardinals’ shortcomings and problems as they start their bye week can be partially blamed on an almost unfathomable injury situation. Although the squad won’t use it as much of an excuse for going 4-8, the absence of depth and key players has undoubtedly had an impact.
This week, the Cardinals gave a summary of their injuries so far this year. Pharoh Cooper, a wide receiver and return specialist, became the 77th player to play for Arizona this season when he entered Sunday’s game against the Chargers.
This figure tops the NFL.
Report card: The Arizona Cardinals receive mixed grades due to inconsistency on the field.
There are 14 players on the Cardinals’ injury list right now. Four offensive lineman, D.J. Humphries, Justin Pugh, Rodney Hudson, and Will Hernandez, were among the seven who made their debuts in Week 1. Only Kelvin Beachum, the right tackle, has so far maintained his health.
For the Cardinals’ offense this year, only Beachum has started each game from the opening snap.
The starting lineups for the Cardinals’ offense and defense have alternated 12 times each. Defensive lineman Zach Allen, safety Budda Baker (who sustained a sprained ankle a few weeks ago but continued to play through it), and linebacker Zaven Collins are the only players who have started all three games on defense.
With 12, only the New Orleans Saints have started more defenses.
The Cardinals have seen 31 different players miss a total of 165 games this season due to injuries as of Tuesday. DeAndre Hopkins, a wide receiver, did not play in those six games because of a suspension.
Every week, questions regarding injured players’ readiness to return from injury or their progress toward making a comeback are directed at head coach Kliff Kingsbury. This season, it’s a common refrain.
Beachum has tried to take something positive from the situation.
“It’s been challenging. But at the same time you’ve got to find a way to thrive. It’s been cool to have some different guys in and find a way to lead in a different way,” Beachum said after Sunday’s game. “It’s being able to talk on the sideline, being able to talk during the week. It’s being able to have the conversations that I’m having with our staff about things that we’re thinking about, and how we’re putting guys in situations to be successful. It’s been cool to be a part of that entire process, but it’s been emotionally and mentally draining. But that’s what we’re paid to do. We’re paid to win games, we’re paid to prepare, we’re paid to find a way to get wins. This year we just haven’t done that consistently enough.”
More:‘Kind of a rollercoaster’: The Arizona Cardinals’ 2022 season has been one thing after another
Beachum has made an effort to learn something constructive from the experience.
“It’s been difficult. But you also need to figure out how to succeed. Beachum remarked following Sunday’s game, “It’s been good to have some other players in and find a way to lead in a different way. “It’s being able to talk during the week and on the sidelines. It’s the ability to have the discussions I’m having with our staff about the ideas we’re considering and how we’re setting up men for success. Being a part of the entire process has been cool, but it has also been mentally and emotionally taxing. But that’s what our salaries are for. To win games, we receive compensation.
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