ARIZONA – The Arizona Cardinals will be missing a few key players for their Week 1 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon has confirmed that undrafted wide receiver Xavier Weaver will not play due to an oblique injury, as he did not participate in practice throughout the week. Gannon noted, “Probably not going to go. He’s still dealing with that hip/oblique injury. He’s trending towards next week and should be good.”
Weaver will join defensive end Darius Robinson, who is on IR with a calf injury and is expected to return later, and outside linebacker BJ Ojulari, who has been ruled out for the season due to a knee injury, on the inactive list.
Additionally, tight end Tip Reiman (ankle) and safety Joey Blount (back) are listed as questionable. Reiman practiced in a limited capacity all week, while Blount, who missed Thursday’s practice, returned in a limited role on Friday.
The #AZCardinals are ruling Joey Blount and Tip Reiman as questionable against the Buffalo Bills.
Xavier Weaver ruled out. pic.twitter.com/3cmIiX9R9A
— Donnie Druin (@DonnieDruin) September 6, 2024
For the Bills, Javon Solomon (oblique) has been ruled out, and Dawuane Smoot (toe) is questionable. Other players who are confirmed to miss the game include Cole Bishop, Quintin Morris, Curtis Samuel, and Mitchell Trubisky.
As the Cardinals prepare to face the Bills as underdogs, quarterback Kyler Murray expressed his readiness for the new season. “Football has been on my mind this whole offseason,” Murray said. “Last year, being hurt and having to rehab, I tried not to get too far away from the game mentally. I’ve had a clear focus on what I want to accomplish and what I want this team to achieve.”
The game between the Cardinals and Bills will kick off at 10:00 AM Arizona Time, with the opportunity for both teams to elevate two practice squad players. Decisions on the status of questionable players must be made 90 minutes before kickoff.
