The Arizona Cardinals already seem outmatched against the Los Angeles Rams. Arizona is 3-9 and set to face the Rams who is striving for first place in the NFC conference.
The uphill battle grew even more steep ahead of the contest, as the Cardinals ruled out at least nine players:
- QB Kyler Murray’s foot is not progressing and he’s unlikely to return this season
- Marvin Harrison, Jr., WR (heel)
- Max Melton, CB (heel)
- Emari Demercado, RB (ankle)
- Trey Benson, RB (knee)
- Greg Dortch, WR (chest)
- Walter Nolen III, DT (knee)
- Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, DB (ankle)
Two more are questionable in right tackle Kelvin Beachum and receiver Xavier Weaver. Arizona’s receiving depth will be thin already, and will be even more so if Weaver cannot play. Michael Wilson has received a high volume of targets in recent weeks. He’ll likely be busy again on Sunday against the Rams. Andre Baccellia is the only remaining receiver currently on the roster, though Jalen Brooks, Tejhaun Palmer, Trent Sherfield, or Bryson Green could be elevated from the practice squad.
With both Demercado and Benson out at running back, Bam Knight and Michael Carter are likely to receive the bulk of the backfield work.
The Rams come into the matchup relatively healthy. Corner Darious Williams is doubtful, though he’s been relegated to a mostly depth role in recent weeks after the recent of Ahkello Witherspoon. Run-stopping defensive tackle Poona Ford is questionable.
Nolen is a big absence for Cardinals
Arizona selected Nolen with the 16th overall pick in this past spring’s NFL Draft. He carried with him injury concerns out of Ole Miss.
He simply has not been available much as a rookie. Nolen did not make his debut until Week 9 and then only played 101 snaps over four games before missing Weeks 13 and 14.
But when Nolen has been on the field, he’s been excellent for the Cardinals.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Nolen is the seventh-best interior defensive lineman just two spots behind the Rams’ Poona Ford. Nolen has graded well as both a run defender and a pass rusher. If he can stay healthy, he’ll be a plus player for the Cardinals moving forward.
