Cardinals’ Kliff Kingsbury mum on CB Antonio Hamilton’s absence

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antonio Hamilton was a notable nonparticipant during the team’s joint practice with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday.

It marked the second straight practice session the projected No. 2 cornerback has missed in as many days.

Head coach Kliff Kingsbury chalked it up to a doctor’s appointment following Tuesday’s practice in Arizona, but did not divulge much more after the joint work in Tennessee.

“He’s still being evaluated right now,” Kingsbury told reporters Wednesday.

“We’ll let you know Week 1 when we have to (put it in the injury report),” the head coach added when asked about Hamilton’s ailment.

While Kingsbury acknowledged that he isn’t concerned with Hamilton’s status, the absence certainly stands out given the team’s situation at cornerback.

With Hamilton currently not in the fold, Marco Wilson will once again get another look as the team’s No. 2 cornerback alongside Byron Murphy Jr. after underwhelming in the role this offseason.

Behind them sits offseason addition Josh Jackson, who could also see some work as the No. 2 option, rookie Christian Matthew and Jace Whittaker.

Before Hamilton’s absence, Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reported that the team was looking into trading for a cornerback.

Joining the team last season, Hamilton went from a practice squad body to playing in every game in 2021. He saw more work as a special teamer but was also saw a good amount of defensive snaps as a depth piece and started two games last year.

Across 17 games played, Hamilton recorded a career high 38 tackles and tied a career mark of four passes defensed.

Before joining the Cardinals, Hamilton spent time with then-Oakland Raiders (2016-17), New York Giants (2018-2019) and Kansas City Chiefs (2020).

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