Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Cardinals defense in trouble with multiple starters on Week 11 injury report

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Tanner Tortorella | Last updated Nov 13, 2025 10:45 PM ET

GLENDALE – It seems like every day a new name for the Arizona Cardinals is added to the injury report, and Thursday was no different. The team released its injury report for Sunday’s Week 11 game vs. the San Francisco 49ers following Thursday’s practice. The list included 18 names, with seven of those names being DNP. Some names were expected, Marvin Harrison Jr. having appendicitis and Will Johnson with a back injury.

However, a new name appeared in the form of edge Josh Sweat. The 28-year-old has been the heart and sole of the Cardinals pass rush, having eight on the season and being fifth in the NFL. Arizona listed the reason for Sweat missing practice being for Rest, which is good news, but seeing his name on the injury report gave fans a rise in their blood pressure.

Full Cardinals vs. 49ers injury report:

A sigh of relief as today was just a veteran rest for Josh Sweat.

Full injury report: pic.twitter.com/BfuL5cVbV5

— Theo Mackie (@theo_mackie) November 13, 2025

Running back Bam Knight has been limited in back-to-back practice with an ankle injury, leading him to be questionable for Sunday’s game. Fellow running backs Emari Demercado and Michael Carter could be expected to step up and replace Knight if need be, as the run game has been by committee for the offense all season.

Cornerback Max Melton missed last week’s game with a concussion, but was seen with a yellow non-contact jersey on and has been limited the last two days. A fellow player that missed Week 10 was linebacker Mack Wilson Sr., who will remain out this Sunday due to a ribs injury. Backup rookie linebacker Cody Simon will be expected to start for a second straight week, after a forgettable first start last week.

Many defensive starters for the Cardinals will be out, which spells trouble with a returning San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy under center. The Arizona native has great success against his hometown team. The defense could be due for a repeat performance from last week with the amount of injuries sidelining critical defensive starters.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: