The Arizona Cardinals are gearing up for a crucial Week 13 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, needing a win to avoid back-to-back losses. To bolster their defense, the Cardinals may see the return of starting safety Jalen Thompson and potentially make the debut of rookie Darius Robinson, their first-round pick.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon provided an update on both players, saying, “JT (Jalen Thompson) has looked good, we’ll see how he does today. D-Rob (Darius Robinson) has looked good, we’ll see how he does today.” Gannon also noted that if Robinson is cleared to play, the team has a plan in place to ease him into action given it would be his first game back after missing time with a calf injury during the preseason.
Thompson, who has been sidelined for the last two games with an ankle injury, has practiced in a limited capacity this week. Prior to the injury, he had started every game for the Cardinals. If he is unable to return, rookie Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, known as “Rabbit,” would continue to fill in. Taylor-Demerson has impressed in Thompson’s absence, recording 15 tackles and three passes defensed over the last two weeks.
Meanwhile, Robinson, the No. 27 overall pick in this year’s draft, has been recovering from a calf injury sustained during the preseason. Though he has practiced in limited sessions over the past two weeks, the team is optimistic about his potential debut. Gannon mentioned that Robinson is “on track” to play against the Vikings, though his official status will depend on his performance leading up to the game.
The Cardinals’ injury report will provide further clarity later today, with both Thompson and Robinson likely listed as questionable unless they experience any setbacks. The team’s defensive lineup could be significantly strengthened if both players are available for the pivotal game against Minnesota.
