Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon talked with reporters ahead of Tuesday’s practice to announce that defensive linemen Justin Jones and Dalvin Tomlinson won’t participate. The pair are battling injuries, Jones has missed the past week due to a knee injury, while Tomlinson was seen limping after just six snaps in the team’s preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Arizona has a joint practice with the Denver Broncos later this week ahead of its second preseason game on Saturday. The status of either lineman for that game is unknown, but with the recent injury scares around the roster, Gannon might want to be cautious.
Tomlinson joined the Cardinals this offseason, signing a two-year, $29 million deal, while Jones joined the team last offseason on a three-year, $31 million deal. Jones only appeared in three games last season due an injury to his triceps. In a way, both were preparing to make their full-time debut with Arizona as a part of a stack defensive front.
However, injuries continue to hold the position group back. First-round pick Walter Nolen has been dealing with a calf injury, while last year’s first rounder Darius Robinson had a similar issue in 2024. New signings like edge Josh Sweat and defensive lineman Calais Campbell didn’t play in the preseason opener, which might be for the best with the current injury plague effecting the team.
For now, the injuries to Jones and Tomlinson aren’t expected to be long-term, but it’s hard not to worry with the long history of health-issues amongst the position.
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