The Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots, both playoff teams a year ago, will face off in the desert on Monday night, with both teams still hoping to make the playoffs this year.
DeAndre Hopkins ACTIVE and Zach Ertz INJURED RESERVE for Cardinals – Patriots
- Arizona Cardinals injury report
According to Darren Urban of the Cardinals’ official website, Ertz revealed Thursday that the season-ending surgery he underwent in late November addressed ACL and MCL damage in his left knee.
Moore (groin) will not play Monday against the Patriots, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.
The Cardinals must slow down the Patriots’ ground game and force the Patriots’ depleted passing attack to beat them on Monday night.
Arizona ranks 31st in the NFL in scoring defense but 11th in rushing defense this season.
Despite having an offensive coordinator and the dynamic Murray at quarterback this season, the Cardinals are 20th in total offense and 17th in passing offense.
Injuries have exacerbated the team’s woes, as they were without Hopkins for the first six games, starting tight end Zach Ertz for the season, and Rondale Moore for the last few weeks.
Important Injuries:
Rondale Moore (groin) is out again, as are OL Rashaad Coward (chest) and CB Byron Murphy (back).
- New England Patriots injury report
Harris (thigh) is listed as doubtful for Monday’s prime-time matchup against the Cardinals.
With ten days between games, New England must figure things out if they are to turn things around against Arizona on the road.
This season, the Patriots are 3-3 on the road and have won two of the last three meetings with Arizona. They are 24th in total offense but seventh in total defense this season.
New England’s primary goal will be to keep Murray in the pocket and limit the production of his primary target, DeAndre Hopkins. This season, New England ranks ninth in pass defense.
Important Injuries:
Due to a concussion, Jakobi Myers, New England’s most productive receiver, will miss this game.
Starting cornerback Jalen Mills (groin) and starting right tackle Isaiah Wynn (foot) are also out, and No. 2 running back Damien Harris (thigh) is doubtful.
