Cardinals rookie LB Isaiah Simmons to have expanded role in 'TNF' game vs. Seahawks

The Arizona Cardinals are taking the figurative leash off rookie linebacker Isaiah Simmons at just the right time. 

As Kevin Patra noted for the NFL's official website, Simmons has thus far played only 140 total defensive snaps over Arizona's first nine games. The 22-year-old can, however, expect to see more action during Thursday night's pivotal divisional showdown with the Seattle Seahawks. 

Arizona and Seattle both sit at 6-3 overall and are tied with the Los Angeles Rams in the standings. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks on Oct. 25. 

Simmons played just five defensive snaps in that victory. 

"To his credit, he's been patient," defensive coordinator Vance Joseph told reporters about the first-year prospect selected eighth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. "He's been frustrated, but he's been patient and waiting his turn, learning and working in practice. It's showing in the games. We've got to play him more because he can help us win, and that's what we want from Isaiah.

"He's been patient enough to wait his turn, but it's time." 

Simmons has recorded 20 total tackles on the year, with eight of those coming over the past two games. In last Sunday's 32-30 win over the Buffalo Bills that occurred thanks to the miraculous play being called the "Hail Murray," Simmons tallied four tackles, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit. 

If fellow linebacker De'Vondre Campbell can't play on Thursday because of a calf injury, Simmons could see even more duty than thought heading into the midweek.