In a tough blow for the Arizona Cardinals, the team has been forced to place two key players on injured reserve. Defensive lineman Bilal Nichols and kicker Matt Prater have both been sidelined due to injuries, leaving the Cardinals scrambling to fill their roles.
According to a report from Adam Schefter of ESPN, Nichols is expected to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a stinger for the second consecutive game. This is a significant loss for the Cardinals, as Nichols has been a key contributor on the defensive line all season.
Meanwhile, Prater has been dealing with a knee injury that has caused him to miss the last two games. With Prater out of action, the Cardinals have turned to Chad Ryland to handle kicking duties. Ryland, who has been signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad, has been solid in limited action this season, connecting on 5-of-6 field goal attempts and 2-of-2 extra points.
In addition to placing Nichols and Prater on IR, the Cardinals have also made some moves with their practice squad. Tight end Jordan Murray and offensive lineman Austen Pleasants have been released from the practice squad, creating space for potential replacements to be added.
It’s never easy to deal with injuries in the NFL, but the Cardinals will have to find a way to overcome the loss of Nichols and Prater as they continue to push for a playoff spot. Stay tuned for more updates as the team navigates through this difficult situation.
