There’s no need to wait for the injury report that will be announced later today because Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said before practice that tight end Trey McBride (concussion) and defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (knee) will not play Sunday against the Washington Commanders.
While Gannon also said, “Everybody else, we’re still working through here in the next couple days.” He later said there are no issues with safety Budda Baker and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who are both dealing with quadrcieps injuries. Baker was upgraded to full participation Thursday and Harrison was limited for the second consecutive day.
However, Gannon said right tackle Kelvin Beachum (hamstring) is still in the “work through” category. With Jackson Barton (toe) on practice-squad injured, if Beachum can’t go, Charlie Heck would be the likely option although Austen Pleasants was signed to the practice squad this week.
McBride’s absence means a potentially larger role for Elijah Higgins, who has caught all four of the targets thrown his way this season for 41 yards and a touchdown.
Asked about being comfortable with the guy he calls “Higgy Bear,” Gannon said, “1,000 percent. That’s a strong room. Their roles will kinda change a little bit, all three of them without Trey, but we’re very comfortable and confident. I’m excited for those guys.”
The other tight ends are rookie Tip Reiman and Travis Vokolek, who has been inactive each of the first three games.
On the defensive line, Naquan Jones, who was re-signed this week, will likely be active Sunday.
Gannon said of bringing back Jones, “Knows our system. (I) had a lot of love for Naquan. That was a tough decision at the 53 there how it all went. We like the guys that we kept, but he was one of the guys that it was hard to see him go. So we had the opportunity to get him back and he did a good job this week.”
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