Reiman remains on PUP list

The Cardinals also placed CB Garrett Williams, LT Paris Johnson Jr. and TE Tip Reiman on the physically unable to perform list. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport did not specify whether these are active or reserve listings. Sweat let it be known he was unhappy in Arizona this offseason. He attended mandatory minicamp but did not practice. Williams suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture in December. Johnson missed time with a knee injury last year. Reiman (ankle) was expected to be “ready to roll” for training camp.

Reiman is expected to be an “important cog in the offense” this year, as a reliable blocker in the run game. Per Cardinals team reporter Darren Urban, LaFleur has, unprompted, mentioned Reiman multiple times this offseason. LaFleur told Urban that he had a lot of respect for Reiman as a prospect and was excited to inherit Reiman when he accepted the Cardinals’ head coaching vacancy this offseason. Reiman’s expected return is good news for both RB Jeremiyah Love and TE Trey McBride. He will provide extra help in the run game while fully freeing up McBride in play action. That said, it does not sound like Reiman will be fantasy-relevant at all this year.

Reiman went down with a gruesome leg injury in Week 5 against the Titans. He was immediately placed in an air cast and carted to the locker room. Reiman doesn’t do much that fantasy managers care about, but he is an integral part of Arizona’s offense as a blocker. He has played on 37 percent of the team’s offensive snaps this year and contributes on special teams. The Cardinals have Elijah Higgins and Travis Vokolek on the roster as potential replacements for Reiman. Vokolek profiles as a more similar player to Reiman than Higgins.

Reiman injured his leg in the third quarter against the Titans. He was sliding on a target from Jacoby Brissett and his leg got caught and bent on the play. Reiman was immediately put in an air cast and carted off the field as he gave the crowd a thumbs up. The 24-year-old isn’t fantasy relevant but is a key blocker for the Cardinals’ run scheme.

The situation is simple here. If McBride cannot clear concussion protocol in time for the Cardinals’ Week 4 contest against the Commanders, he won’t play. The star tight end was never expected to clear protocol this early in the week, but his status will be one to monitor as we get closer to the weekend. If he’s unable to go, rookie tight end Tip Reiman would likely be in line to replace him after playing on 20 snaps in Week 3’s loss to the Lions.

After walking on as a freshman for Illinois, Reiman (6’5/271) is a third-round selection four years later. He doesn’t have an extensive production profile, most recently snagging 19 receptions for 203 yards and three touchdowns in 2023. Despite the low production, Reiman’s size and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect. He ran a 4.64 40-yard dash at the combine, along with 28 reps on the bench press. Reiman’s best showing was a 1.55 10-yard split, tied for best among tight ends. He is strong for a blocker, while his length makes him a good shallow target. Reiman may not have the production, but his raw athletic profile can lead to special teams, blocking, and an occasional pass-catching role in the NFL.