Robert Nkemdiche to undergo ACL surgery on Thursday

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.

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