If the Cardinals are going to remain undefeated after traveling to Cleveland this weekend, they are probably going to have to find a way to beat the Browns without top pass rusher Chandler Jones.
The outside linebacker was put on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, according to the NFL's transactions list. Multiple reports say Jones tested positive. Coach Kliff Kingsbury had previously said the team was fully vaccinated, meaning Jones' path to return is two negative tests in a 24-hour period while asymptomatic, or 10 days away.
Jones is the team leader with five sacks, having piled all of them up in the season opener at Tennessee. Losing him would be a blow going against the passing game of Baker Mayfield on the Browns. Dennis Gardeck will likely see increased pass-rush reps, and Markus Golden and Devon Kennard picking up more time. Rookie Victor Dimukeje is another option.
Another option of using inside linebacker Isaiah Simmons outside at times.
The Cardinals also activated tight end Darrell Daniels from the Covid list Tuesday.
It's the latest hit to a team that had felt very few setbacks through the early part of the schedule. The Cardinals won't have tight end Maxx Williams and perhaps not center Rodney Hudson against the Browns, and they have to see if starting cornerbacks Byron Murphy and Marco Wilson have recovered from their own ribs injuries.
PRACTICE SQUAD MOVES
The Cardinals released cornerback Luq Barcoo and wide receiver Josh Doctson from the practice squad.
