Posted on Oct 08
Cardinals' Will Hernandez out for the season with knee injury, says coach Jonathan Gannon
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Arizona Cardinals right guard Will Hernandez will miss the remainder of the season due to a left knee injury.
Why it matters: Hernandez's absence creates a significant void in the Cardinals' offensive line and poses challenges for their overall performance and protection of quarterback Kyler Murray.
What's new: Coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed that Hernandez suffered the injury during Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers, highlighting the impact of the injury on the team.
- Hernandez had been playing well for the Cardinals since joining the team in 2022, making his absence even more notable.
- His contributions to the team's toughness, attitude, and work ethic will be missed.
Yes, but: The Cardinals have options to fill the vacancy left by Hernandez's injury, including Trystan Colon, who replaced him during the game against the 49ers.
- Rookies Isaiah Adams and Jon Gaines II may also be rotated into the lineup as potential replacements.
- The coaching staff will need to find the best combination of linemen to maximize their performance in light of Hernandez's absence.
What to watch: The communication among the offensive linemen will be crucial in maintaining the effectiveness of the Cardinals' offense.
- Coach Gannon emphasized the importance of communication and expressed confidence that the offensive line will remain cohesive and perform at a high level.
- The ability of the linemen to quickly adapt and adjust their roles will be key to sustaining the team's success.
What's next: With multiple injuries on the right side of their offensive line, including the loss of right tackle Jonah Williams earlier in the season, the Cardinals will need to navigate these challenges moving forward.
- Kelvin Beachum has been filling in for Williams at right tackle, and the team will rely on him to provide stability in the absence of Hernandez.
- The coaching staff will continue to evaluate and adjust the lineup to ensure the best possible performance from the offensive line.
The bottom line: Hernandez's season-ending injury presents a significant setback for the Cardinals' offensive line, requiring adjustments and adaptability to maintain their level of play.
- The team will need to rely on the depth and talent of their roster to compensate for Hernandez's absence and preserve the effectiveness of their offense.
- The success of the Cardinals will depend on their ability to seamlessly integrate replacements and maintain strong communication within the offensive line.