Skip to main content
Animated graphic with red feathered background and information about Cardinals @ Packers
Advertising

Arizona Cardinals Home: The official source of the latest Cardinals headlines, news, videos, photos, tickets, rosters and game day information

Cardinals Elevate Lineman On Each Side Of Ball

Heck, Blackson provide depth going into Washington game

The Cardinals have activated defensive lineman Angelo Blackson (90) for Sunday's game against the Commanders.
The Cardinals have activated defensive lineman Angelo Blackson (90) for Sunday's game against the Commanders.

Down a pair of defensive linemen, the Cardinals are counting on a pair of familiar faces to help.

When Justin Jones went on season-ending IR this week, the Cardinals brought back Naquan Jones -- who had been released at the end of the preseason -- to the active roster. But nose tackle Khyiris Tonga will also miss Sunday's game with a knee injury, so the Cardinals elevated Angelo Blackson -- who had spent the 2020 season with the Cardinals -- from the practice squad.

The defensive line could get further help as soon as next week. Rookie first-round pick Darius Robinson is eligible to open his practice window/return to play as soon as Monday.

The Cardinals also elevated tackle Charlie Heck for the second time from the practice squad, allowing him to likely be the top backup. Kelvin Beachum, who missed last week with a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable, seems to be ready to step back into the lineup.

Players can be elevated up to three times in a season and still revert to the practice squad. To play a fourth game, the player must be signed to the 53-man roster.

BRANCH FINED FOR MCBRIDE HIT

Lions defensive back Brian Branch was fined $10,128 for the helmet-to-helmet hit on Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, which resulted with both in concussion protocol. McBride will miss Sunday's game with the concussion. Branch was unflagged on the play, as he was on an unnecessary roughness he committed on Matt Prater's field goal at the end of the first half, which drew a separate $10,128 fine. On that play, Branch punched tight end Tip Reiman in the helmet after the play.

Lions safety Kerby Joseph was fined $7,505 for a hit on defenseless player (also not flagged). Joseph came in to hit Marvin Harrison Jr. after a 14-yard catch when cornerback Terrion Arnold had nearly completed the tackle already.

Advertising