Arizona Cardinals’ Justin Pugh, James Conner officially active vs. Lions
Dec 19, 2021, 9:44 AM | Updated: 9:45 am
Justin Pugh #67 of the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on October 03, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
After battling injuries this week, offensive lineman Justin Pugh and running back James Conner are officially active against the Detroit Lions in Week 15.
Pugh was active last week against the Los Angeles Rams, but played just five special teams snaps in the loss.
Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury told reporters Friday that when the lineman is healthy he will be re-inserted into the starting lineup.
Getting Pugh back in the trenches would be a huge boost for an offensive line without starting center Rodney Hudson, who was placed on the COVID-19 list Thursday. In Hudson’s place will be Max Garcia, who slides over from the starting right guard spot.
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Conner was nursing an ankle injury suffered in the team’s MNF loss throughout the week, but Kingsbury was optimistic about the rusher’s chances to play on Friday.
Other Cardinals good to go include tight end Zach Ertz (hamstring) and defensive linemen Leki Fotu (shoulder), Corey Peters (knee) and Jordan Phillips (thumb).
Defensive lineman Zach Kerr, who had been dealing with a ribs issue this week, will not play in Detroit, however.
Quarterback Trace McSorley, cornerback Breon Borders and running back Eno Benjamin are also inactive.
As for Detroit, offensive lineman Will Holden is officially inactive due to a personal reason.
He’s joined by running back D’Andre Swift, linebacker Julian Okwara, safety Tracy Walker, offensive lineman Jonah Jackson, wide receiver Trinity Benson and quarterback David Blough as out.
The Cardinals take on the Lions on Sunday at 11 a.m. Tune to 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station for all the action.
