Michael

Adams

Arizona can ill-afford to lose any of their cornerback depth, as they are one of the worst pass-defending units in the league.

Good news, but Adams is likely to miss at least one game after his scary collision with Rams WR Austin Pettis late in Sunday’s win. Richard Marshall should see most of the snaps at nickel corner in Adams’ absence.

Adams blew up Austin Pettis after a short catch with under 20 seconds left in the game. It was a big play, but Adams paid for it by leading with his head. The Cardinals’ slot cornerback, Adams figures to be replaced by Richard Marshall with A.J. Jefferson returning outside if the injury is significant.

This will be a hotly contested position with Greg Toler and rookie Jamell Fleming also in the hunt. Michael Adams is the nickel back for now, although Gay could wind up covering the slot if Toler or Fleming wins the outside job. Patrick Peterson is the RCB in name, but he will shadow No. 1 receivers in 2012.

Michael Adams stepped in for a few plays as the Cardinals’ nickel back. Marshall, signed to a one-year deal in the offseason, has 11 tackles, a sack, and an interception through four weeks. He’s also batted down two passes.

Adams spent six seasons with the Cardinals, starting 7-of-75 appearances. He can help in the slot and act as a deep reserve while Darrelle Revis (ACL) eases his way back into action. Adams was also a productive special teamer in Arizona.

This may just be a seniority issue. Second-year man Greg Toler was the No. 4 corner at minicamp even though Adams was benched in favor of Toler during the playoffs. Trumaine McBride, who was cut by the Bears last year, ran as the nickel man. Clearly, corner is a major concern for the Cardinals.

Mike Adams drew the honors in the first practices two weeks ago, but it appears to have been merely a seniority issue. Toler is fully expected to enter the starting lineup opposite Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie this season.

Adams will miss multiple weeks, but is expected to avoid injured reserve. He should return as the Bucs’ No. 4 corner and contribute on special teams.

Adams had been dealing with knee issues since Week 1, where he underwent a clean-up procedure. The exact extent of his injury is unknown, though it’s serious enough to cost him the final six games. Adams struggled in limited snaps this season, and is not under contract for 2014, which will be his age-29 campaign. Adams has made 80 career appearances, but only seven starts.