Daryl

Washington

Washington underwent an MRI Monday that apparently revealed no serious damage. “I believe he will be back for the next game but may miss several days of practice,” said agent Jordan Woy. Reggie Walker -- not Stewart Bradley -- replaced Washington in the lineup during Week 1.

The results should be available later this afternoon. Washington was the Cardinals’ most productive defender before going down on Sunday, leading the team with six tackles while also notching an interception and half-sack.

“I didn’t feel (the change),” said Washington, who looked like a strong safety as a rookie. Washington does plan to drop down to 238 after emerging as a stud 3-4 inside linebacker last season while playing at 234 pounds. “My speed is still the same,” Washington insists.

“He’s a very talented player and he has demonstrated that he’s the type of guy that we want in our program for the long term,” said GM Rod Graves. No offer has been made yet, but there is mutual interest in a lucrative extension for the Cardinals’ 25-year-old Pro-Bowl caliber linebacker. Washington was easily the team’s leading tackler with 107 last season.

Washington, 25, gets locked up with two full years remaining on his rookie contract. The new deal takes him through the 2017 season. One of the Cardinals’ building blocks on defense, Washington led the team in tackles with 107 last season and added five sacks, two interceptions and seven pass breakups. Now in his second full season as an every-down player, we’re expecting another step forward.

That’s bad news for Michael Vick, who can struggle against the blitz. Last season, Washington rushed Vick 12 times and delivered a crushing blow that injured Vick’s ribs. The shorthanded Eagles offensive line could struggle to protect Vick from the pressure the Cardinals are likely to dial up on Sunday.

Washington doesn’t play like a normal 3-4 inside linebacker. He’s constantly coming on fire blitzes and has exceptional pass-rushing talent. Through eight games, Washington has 68 tackles, eight sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass breakup. He’s playing at an All-Pro level. The Saints’ Charlie Clemons (2001) is the last inside or middle linebacker to post double-digit sacks in a season.

Washington had a big opener with six tackles (five solo), a half-sack, an interception, and another pick called back by penalty, so the Cards are praying the strain isn’t serious. Stewart Bradley is the team’s No. 3 inside ‘backer.

The loss of Washington, who is quickly emerging as a difference-maker on a thin Arizona defense, it going to sting. Give Tim Hightower a little boost as a very strong RB2. Chester Taylor is active, meaning Stephens-Howling isn’t needed anyway. Other Cardinals inactives: QB John Skelton, TE Jim Dray, T D’Anthony Batiste, CB Crezdon Butler and CB Korey Lindsey.

Recent signee Karlos Dansby was with the first team. It’s a loud and clear message from the Cardinals’ new braintrust that their patience is wearing thin with the troublemaking Washington. Suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy, Washington could be banned additional games after he was arrested for domestic assault earlier this month. A budding superstar, Washington will return to a starting job whenever he’s finally allowed back, but he can’t afford any more off-the-field slip-ups.