Reports: 4 Cardinals placed on COVID-19 list before Cowboys game
Aug 12, 2021, 2:59 PM | Updated: Aug 16, 2021, 11:44 am
(Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)
The Arizona Cardinals have placed running back James Conner, defensive lineman Leki Fotu, tight end Darrell Daniels and safety Charles Washington on the reserve/COVID-19 list, reports NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Aaron Wilson.
Pelissero adds that “only unvaccinated players can be labeled high-risk close contacts under current NFL-NFLPA protocols.”
The news comes a day before the Cardinals open up preseason play at home against the Dallas Cowboys. Wide receiver Andy Isabella is also in COVID-19 protocols.
Conner was signed to a one-year deal this offseason to pair with starter Chase Edmonds. The former Pittsburgh Steeler is slated as the team’s No. 2 running threat on Arizona’s first official depth chart of the year.
While it was unknown how much the vet would have played in Friday’s contest, Eno Benjamin and Jonathan Ward will likely get extended reps due to his absence.
Benjamin has impressed as a running back and pass catcher throughout camp, providing a big play nearly each practice. He’s also seeing more time in special teams as both a return man and gunner.
Fotu and Daniels figure to backup their respective positions, while Washington is third on the depth chart behind Jalen Thompson and Deionte Thompson.
Fotu enters his second season with the team after recording one sack, 17 tackles and three QB hits his rookie year.
Daniels is in his fourth year with the Cardinals, catching eight balls for 92 yards and a touchdown in 2020.
Washington made 19 tackles and broke up a pass last season. He also forced a fumble.