The Arizona Cardinals are banged up and will be without at least three starters in Week 16 as they take on the Carolina Panthers on the road.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters before Friday’s practice that linebacker Mack Wilson, running back Trey Benson, left tackle Paris Johnson and linebacker Jesse Luketa have been ruled out of the game with injuries.
Wilson suffered a concussion in Week 15 and did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. Benson suffered an ankle injury in the 30-17 win over the Patriots. Johnson has a strained MCL and could miss multiple weeks. Luketa suffered a thigh injury.
Krys Barnes will replace Wilson in the starting lineup and play alongside Kyzir White. Kelvin Beachum is expected to start at left tackle. Luketa’s spot in the lineup could go to Baron Browning, Julian Okwara or Victor Dimukeje.
The Cardinals are more or less in a must-win situation this week. Backups or not, they need them to play at starting levels so they can keep up in the NFC West race.
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