Cardinals DE Jordan Phillips able to attend both father’s funeral, MNF
Oct 15, 2020, 11:00 AM | Updated: 11:03 am
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) is brought down by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Jordan Phillips (97) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
(AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Jordan Phillips said Thursday he’s able to attend both his father’s funeral and the team’s Monday Night Football matchup against the Dallas Cowboys after originally saying he had to choose between one or the other a day prior.
“Appreciate the front office for finding a solution to the problem,” Phillips tweeted. “Thanks [Cardinals owner and president] Michael Bidwill. Top notch organization.”
On Wednesday, the DE said he had to decide whether to play Monday night or attend his father’s funeral due to the NFL’s coronavirus guidelines.
“The NFL is wanting me to pick between playing in my Monday night game this week or going to my dad’s funeral with the new Covid protocols,” Phillips said in a since-deleted Wednesday tweet. “Can’t do both, these rules crazy.”
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Under NFL COVID-19 protocols, the league has banned gatherings of people outside of club facilities.
In five games with Arizona in 2020, Phillips has notched seven tackles, 2.0 sacks, a pass deflection and a forced fumble. The defensive lineman is tied with four other Cardinals for the most sacks on the team.
With outside linebacker and defensive anchor Chandler Jones out for the season with a biceps injury, Phillips will be one of the guys counted on by defensive coordinator Vance Joseph to fill his shoes in the trenches.
Phillips has shown he can step up when called upon. Last season as a member of the Buffalo Bills, Phillips strung together 9.5 sacks in 16 games played. He pressured opposing signal callers 20 times and registered five QB hits to go along with the sack total in 2019.
