Arizona Cardinals sign veteran safety T.J. Ward; concerns linger about DeAndre Hopkins’ ankle
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Help has arrived at the depleted safety position for the Cardinals, but now the team could be facing a power outage at wide receiver.
Arizona signed two-time Pro Bowl safety T.J. Ward and assigned him to the practice squad on Thursday, but wideout DeAndre Hopkins continues to deal with an ankle issue that could possibly leave the Cardinals short-handed on Sunday when they play at the Carolina Panthers.
Hopkins did not practice for a second straight day on Thursday. He leads the NFL in receptions (32) and receiving yards (356) and his availability for Sunday’s game should become clearer on Friday, unless it turns out he is a game-time decision.
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During his career, Hopkins has sat out countless practices and still managed to play on game days, missing only two starts in his eight NFL seasons.
“We need him. We need him for his playmaking abilities,” receiver Larry Fitzgerald said during a video conference call with reporters following Thursday’s practice. “He’s got a tremendous start and his rapport with (quarterback) Kyler (Murray) has been spectacular for the first three weeks. We need him. We need him bad.
“We have the best training staff in the league, in my opinion, with Tom Reed and his guys and I know (Hopkins) is working tirelessly to get through these issues that he’s having.”
Fellow receiver Christian Kirk, who missed last week’s game with a groin injury, was back at practice for a second day on Thursday but he was listed as limited once again.
Ward, 33, has played in 107 career games (99 starts) with the Browns (2010-13), Broncos (2014-16) and Buccaneers (2017), but hasn’t played in three years. He was named to the Pro Bowl in back-to-back seasons in 2013 and 2014 and was a member of the Broncos Super Bowl-winning team in 2016.
As much as the Cardinals need help at safety with two starters sidelined in Budda Baker (thumb) and Jalen Thompson and a third, Chris Banjo, uncertain to play on Sunday because of a sore hamstring, He isn’t expected to be elevated to the active roster for the Carolina game, according to defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who said Thursday, “That move was made more for the future.”
First, Ward must pass through the COVID-19 protocols and he’ll need to get a little more familiar with the defense before he sees any action. Arizona presently has three healthy safeties on the active roster — Deionte Thompson, Curtis Riley and Charles Washington. Ward is the only safety on the practice squad.
“We have guys that we’re confident in that can go out there and get the job done,” cornerback Patrick Peterson said. “Those guys have been having a great week of practice so far, looking really good in their assignments, executing their assignments, and hopefully it can roll over into the game on Sunday so they can make some plays and help us get out of this little injury funk that we’re in right now.”
The Cardinals have said they will consider using rookie inside linebacker Isaiah Simmons at the strong safety spot, at least until Jalen Thompson is eligible to return Week 5 against the Jets. According to Peterson, however, Simmons hasn’t spent any practice time at safety this week, which was a bit of an eye opener.
“I believe we have enough guys right now on the back end to where we feel that we can get through this game with what we have right now at safety,” Peterson said, adding of Simmons, “Obviously, we know Isaiah can play multiple positions, but we need to get him comfortable at one position so he can continue to play fast and continue to stay on the field.”
Ward has 607 tackles, eight interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 8½ sacks and 44 passes defensed in his career. He was a second-round pick of the Browns in 2010 out of Oregon.
“I believe he definitely still has a lot left in the tank to where he can come out here and help this secondary out,” Peterson said of Ward. “He’s a veteran who’s been on a lot of veteran teams, understands offenses. He’s a pro, so we’re definitely happy to have him join this secondary to give us a helping hand so we can finish out this season strong the way we want to.”
To make room for Ward, the Cardinals released offensive lineman Rick Leonard from the practice squad.
Injury report
In addition to Hopkins, Baker and Banjo, outside linebacker Devon Kennard (calf) and inside linebacker Tanner Vallejo (illness) also did not practice on Thursday. Three other players were listed as limited — center Mason Cole (hamstring), outside linebacker Dennis Gardeck and cornerback Drew Kirkpatrick (head), who was added to the injury report on Thursday.
For the Panthers, defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (illness) did not practice for a second straight day and left tackle Russell Okung (groin), safety Jeremy Chin (hip), guard Dennis Daley (ankle) and linebacker Adarius Taylor (hip) were limited for a second straight day.
Note
Cardinals Charities has partnered with Fitzgerald’s “First Down Fund” and Albertsons/Safeway to donate $120,000 towards nutrition programming for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley will use the money as part of their Healthy Lifestyle platform, which is guided by the principle that every young person should be equipped to make healthy decisions resulting in social, emotional and physical well-being. Youths also will be served two daily nutritious meals and a snack.
“I’m elated to be able to have my First Down Fund partnered with Albertsons/Safeway and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley,” Fitzgerald said in a statement. “They’re a wonderful organization and anytime you can so something to provide meals for kids that are hungry, you’ve got to feel like you’re doing it the right way. Being part of the Boys & Girls Club growing up in Minneapolis, I know the profound impact they have on young people in our community, and I’m just really happy I can be associated with such a wonderful cause.”
Have an opinion on the Arizona Cardinals? Reach McManaman at bob.mcmanaman@arizonarepublic.com and follow him on Twitter @azbobbymac. Listen to him live on Fox Sports 910-AM every Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 on Calling All Sports with Roc and Manuch and every Wednesday night from 7-9 on The Freaks with Kenny and Crash.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Cardinals sign veteran safety T.J. Ward; concerns linger about DeAndre Hopkins’ ankle