ARIZONA CARDINALS

Robert Nkemdiche to undergo ACL surgery on Thursday

Dec 12, 2018, 2:03 PM

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)...

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche will undergo surgery to repair a torn ACL on Thursday, according to head coach Steve Wilks.

The team announced on Tuesday that Nkemdiche would be sent to the injured reserve and that surgery would be necessary. A timeline for the surgery and confirmation of an ACL tear was affirmed the next day.

Nkemdiche could be looking at a recovery period of up to nine months, putting his availability for training camp, the preseason and 2019 season opener in jeopardy.

Although recovery times for ACL surgery can vary, the Philadelphia Eagles Carson Wentz underwent ACL surgery on Dec. 13, 2017 and returned for a Week 3 matchup against the Colts on Sept. 23, 2018.

The 2016 first-round draft pick, Nkemdiche has appeared in 27 games over the past three seasons with the Cardinals and has one season left on his contract along with a fifth-year option.

In 2018, he recorded the first sack of his career in Week 1 against the Redskins. He finished the season with 4.5 sacks and 32 tackles.

Another notable omission from Wednesday’s practice included running back David Johnson who sat out with a quad injury. Johnson leads the team in rushing with 810 yards on the season and is third on the team in receiving with 340 yards.

Budda Baker (knee), Chad Williams (hamstring) and Larry Fitzgerald (veteran’s day off) were also absent from the practice.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Monti Ossenfort looks on...

Vincent DeAngelis

PFF’s Spielberger grades Cardinals’ free agent class among worst in NFL

PFF's Brad Spielberger gave the Cardinals' free agent class a "C" grade in his latest rankings. It was the worst grade among all 32 teams.

49 minutes ago

Jonah Williams pressure Sam Darnold...

Tyler Drake

Report: Free agent DL Jonah Williams visiting Arizona Cardinals this week

Defensive lineman Jonah Williams is visiting the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings this week, according to Aaron Wilson.

10 hours ago

Casita seating at the Arizona Cardinals' State Farm Stadium...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals’ new suite options at State Farm Stadium include casitas

The Arizona Cardinals on Monday announced new luxury seating options for 2024, including custom casita suites at State Farm Stadium.

13 hours ago

Justin Fields...

Associated Press

Quarterback carousel: Bears trade Justin Fields to Steelers to clear way for top pick

The Chicago Bears traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night for draft compensation.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray...

Arizona Sports

Report: Cardinals QB Kyler Murray’s 2025 guarantees kick in

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray had nearly $30 million guaranteed for the 2025 season kick in by remaining on Arizona's roster by Saturday.

2 days ago

Paris Johnson Jr. celebrates with Kyler Murray...

Tyler Drake

Which side of the line will Cardinals’ Paris Johnson Jr. command in 2024?

Even before the Cardinals released D.J. Humphries, there was already talk of Paris Johnson Jr. making the switch from right to left.

3 days ago

Robert Nkemdiche to undergo ACL surgery on Thursday