Cardinals’ Okafor has torn biceps tendon; Fitzgerald has minor knee issue
Aug 19, 2016, 9:40 PM | Updated: 11:10 pm
Linebackers Alex Okafor and Gabe Martin during training camp Aug. 4. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports)
(Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports)
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Alex Okafor will decide between surgery and playing through a torn biceps tendon, coach Bruce Arians said after his team’s 19-3 loss to the Chargers on Friday.
Additionally, Arians said receiver Larry Fitzgerald sat out with a minor MCL injury that isn’t considered serious. Fitzgerald was held out of Wednesday practice but was seen running on the field prior to the Cardinals’ game in San Diego.
Bruce Arians says Larry Fitzgerald has a slight mcl injury; Alex Okafor a torn biceps tendon.
— Adam Green (@theAdamGreen) August 20, 2016
More: Arians is not concerned about Fitzgerald, said Okafor has to decide if surgery or play through. https://t.co/7Q4UamIufg
— Adam Green (@theAdamGreen) August 20, 2016
Okafor’s season would likely end should he elect for surgery. That is complicated because he is set to become an unrestricted free agent heading into 2017.
Last year, Okafor recorded 31 tackles with two sacks and a fumble recovery.
The Cardinals are set up to weather Okafor’s injury to some degree.
The fourth-year pro is listed second on the depth chart at strongside linebacker, behind offseason trade pickup Chandler Jones.
Second-year linebacker Shaq Riddick, Arizona’s fifth-round pick in the 2015 draft, is next on the depth chart. He did not work his way onto the field after beginning his rookie year banged up.
