Arizona Cardinals rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson’s calf injury will cause him to miss multiple weeks, NFL Network reported Saturday.
Robinson hurt his calf during Thursday’s practice, which coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed on Friday while saying the team was awaiting imaging test results.
A standout at Missouri, Robinson was the Cardinals’ second selection in the first round (27th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft, following Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick.
Robinson is listed as second behind starting defensive tackles Bilal Nichols and Justin Jones on the Cardinals’ depth chart.
Arizona could take advantage of a new rule and place Robinson on injured reserve before all NFL teams must cut their current rosters from 91 down to 53 by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. In the past, players on injured reserve before the 53-player roster are out for the entire season. New this year, teams can designate up to two players who are on IR at the 53-player cutdown as eligible to return this season.
Those two players, or any on IR after the cutdown, are required to miss a minimum of four games, which is where Robinson could fit in the team’s plans.
The Cardinals open the season Sept. 8 against the host Buffalo Bills.
–Field Level Media