Paris

Lenon

Boss Bailey is still not healthy enough to play on all downs. Alex Lewis will start at strong-side linebacker in the opener.

Lenon played an absurd 1,127 snaps during his age-34 campaign last season, more than any other linebacker in the league. He also graded out as one of Pro Football Focus’ worst 3-4 inside linebackers in the process, however. If all goes according to plan for the Cardinals, ILB Stewart Bradley will make strides during his second season in the desert, greatly curtailing Lenon’s snaps.

The 34-year-old defensive leader is questionable to return.

Bradley had to take a pay cut this offseason from $5 million to $2.5 million. Paris Lenon is returning as the starter opposite Daryl Washington after leading the Cardinals in defensive snaps. Sam Acho and O’Brien Schofield are entrenched at outside linebacker.

With Daryl Washington (calf) already out, the Cardinals are in big trouble at inside ‘backer. They were down to just Stewart Bradley and Reggie Walker while Tim Hightower is running right over them.

Paris Lenon kicks from “Mike” to “Will,” allowing Bradley to line up in his more natural position. It’s a major downgrade for the Cardinals, especially after Bradley reportedly didn’t know the defense well enough to play in Week 1. If Bradley struggles, we wouldn’t be surprised if Reggie Walker rotated in often.

Frankly, it would be far more surprising if Arizona brought Lenon, 35, back than it would be if they let him go. He has been completely man-handled versus the run over the last three seasons, despite starting all 48 games. Arizona needs to find a better player to line up next to stud ILB Daryl Washington.