Mack

Wilson

Wilson went down in Week 9’s game against the Cowboys and will now miss a second-straight game with this rib injury. The veteran linebacker has started all eight games he’s appeared in for the Cardinals this season, totaling 60 tackles, three TFLs, and six pass breakups.

Johnson missed Week 10 with back/hip issues and is trending to miss Week 11 as well. Also not practicing on the defense were LB Baron Browning (concussion), LB Mack Wilson (ribs), or S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (ankle). The Cardinals defense is hurting heading into a Week 11 matchup against the 49ers and each of these players will need to log a practice to have a chance to play.

Neither will (inhale): CB Max Melton (concussion), LB BJ Ojulari (knee), or LB Mack Wilson (ribs) — the good news is that Budda Baker (hamstring) upgraded to full today and has been removed from the injury report. Arizona’s defense looked good against the Cowboys on Monday night, but their cornerback depth will be tested against Jaxson Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed.

Melton suffered a hit to the head in the Cardinals’ Week 9 Monday victory over the Cowboys. He is listed as a non-participant on Wednesday with a concussion. It will be difficult for Melton to pass concussion protocol on a short week heading into a Week 10 matchup against the Seahawks. LB Mack Wilson Sr. (ribs) also was listed with a DNP designation. Both players will need practice time later this week to play.

Wilson landed hard on his right shoulder while making a tackle and was escorted to the sideline by the training staff. Wilson was seen seemingly shaking the pain off and beginning a dialogue with one of the Cardinals’ coaches. He appears likely to return.

Wilson was an every-down player as a 2019 rookie in Cleveland before settling in as a part-timer for Cleveland and New England. We would have to imagine that remains the case in Arizona, though his average-annual value suggests someone who could see more in the 500-600 snap range than the 200-300 he managed the past two years.

Wilson drew the start with Ja’Whaun Bentley sidelined this week. Typically a special teamer, Wilson has 18 total tackles and one TFL this season.

Wilson played one season with the Patriots last season after the team acquired him in exchange for Chase Winovich. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Wilson’s return to the Patriots is likely nothing more than a depth signing for the Patriots. The Texans also reportedly had an interest in Wilson.

Wilson was acquired by the Patriots in last year’s trade that sent Chase Winovich to the Browns. In his lone season with the Pats, Wilson totaled 36 tackles and 1.5 sacks, contributing primarily on passing downs. Aside from a decent 2021 campaign, Wilson has regularly struggled in pass coverage. He can provide added depth to a defense, but shouldn’t be asked to do much as a starter.

A fifth-round pick back in 2019, Wilson struggled as an every-down player as a rookie before transitioning into more of a rotational job the last two seasons. The Patriots have several linebackers headed to free agency, so Wilson should get a shot at a starting job.