Where is Cardinals rookie Darius Robinson’s head at amid return to play?

TEMPE — 326 days and more than forty-six weeks. That’s the last time Arizona Cardinals rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson last played football outside of 10 snaps this preseason.

To put it lightly, it’s been a journey for the No. 27th overall pick since his Missouri Tigers won the Cotton Bowl last December.

On top of going through the normal trials and tribulations of being an NFL rookie, Robinson has had the deck stacked against him early on as a Cardinal.

Not only did a calf injury derail the beginning of his rookie year, Robinson also had to work through the passing of his mother, Valori.

For just about anyone, that’s going to take a toll on the mental side of things.

But heading into a Week 12 game against the Seattle Seahawks, things are looking up for Robinson.

“I’d say I’m doing great. There’s been a lot of ups and downs, but I just pray about it,” Robinson said Wednesday. “I have great teammates that support me.

“Everyone on the Cardinals from (owner Michael Bidwill, general manager Monti Ossenfort, head coach Jonathan Gannon, defensive coordinator Nick Rallis), everyone’s doing everything to support me and I’m just so thankful for them. I’m in a good headspace and excited for today.”

Logging just his third practice since he was designated to return in early October — two of those coming this week — and later activated off injured reserve, this marks the best chance he’s had at playing all year.

It’s undoubtedly an exciting time for the rookie.

He isn’t getting too far ahead of himself, though.

“I’m just focused on being the best Darius today.”

Cardinals rookie Darius Robinson is itching to get back on the football field but remains hyper focused on doing what’s best for the team. pic.twitter.com/5XcqCY2Vky

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) November 20, 2024

“It’s been a long time … but at the end of the day, I’m just on my journey right now and whatever we see best for the team, I’m going to do,” Robinson said. “I’m just focused on being the best Darius today.”

No drop off in Darius Robinson’s preparation

While Robinson was forced off the grass to start the season, the rookie didn’t let his situation stop him from his normal operations off the field.

In fact, he gleaned quite a bit watching the game from a different perspective.

“It looked the exact same. I should show you my notebook, but it was honestly more exciting, because I was able to see from a fan’s perspective but also see this is how (Budda Baker) does it and just seeing how he operates and seeing how the team operates.

Cardinals rookie DL Darius Robinson didn’t let his calf injury deter him from his off-the-field preparation:

“I still took my notes like I was playing, I still did walkthroughs like I was playing, so that when it is my time to go, there isn’t any hiccups.” pic.twitter.com/5JpX0UEW2b

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) November 20, 2024

“Honestly, I was taking notes like I was playing, I did walkthroughs like I was playing, so that when it is my time to go, there isn’t any hiccups. Then also seeing the great players here at the Cardinals go through their process. I’m just super excited for meetings later today.”

As far as any rust? Robinson isn’t concerned thanks to the work he’s put in.

“We’ve been working so hard in rehab. People don’t realize when you’re hurt, you work out, you lift and run twice as much as everybody else. At the end of the day, we gotta go out and compete against somebody else. … I just gotta keep stacking reps and have good practices.”

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