Chandler Jones – Noteworthy
DE Chandler Jones arguably is in the midst of the best all-around season of his seven-year career, but he’s not enjoying it. The reason, Jones contends, is the team isn’t doing so well. “I’m not having a Defensive Player of the Year type of year, because if I was, I would be helping the team win more,” the 28-year-old Jones said, per ESPN. “That’s how I look at it. I’m the type of player that’s putting it all on me. A lot of plays I left out there. Some people can say I’ve had a decent season. A lot of times when you talk about Defensive Player of the Year, which ultimately should be every defensive player’s goal, when you talk about things like that, one of the biggest factors is, what’s the team’s record. How is he helping the team win? What is Chandler Jones doing to help the team win? Right now, at 1-6, I’m not doing enough.”
Eddie Pleasant – Noteworthy – Transaction
S Eddie Pleasant was signed this week thanks to Tre Boston being injured and Rudy Ford being largely responsible for a back-breaking touchdown in last week’s loss to the Broncos. Pleasant has appeared in 78 games for the Texans since entering the league with Houston in 2012 as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon.
“He’s smart,” head coach Steve Wilks said. “I know that just from talking to guys around the league. He’s a very physical guy. Again, with Tre being out, we need that kind of body back there, a physical guy that’s smart, that can get lined up, that can learn this system quickly and I think he can bring that.”
Josh Rosen – Noteworthy – Injury
QB Josh Rosen of the Cardinals, whose left foot was in a walking boot after he sustained a toe injury last Thursday night against the Denver Broncos, practiced with his teammates on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old Rosen, who missed practice on Monday, apparently is on schedule to start on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, although the Cardinals have not issued an update on his condition. However, Rosen’s return to the field was not unexpected, as head coach Steve Wilks told reporters on Monday: “He got out of the boot, he’s doing well, he should be ready to go on Wednesday.”
Justin Pugh – Noteworthy – Injury
RG Justin Pugh (hand) and LG Mike Iupati (back) each were able to practice on a limited basis on Wednesday after both players missed last Thursday night’s game against Denver. That’s a good sign they could be ready for Sunday’s home game against the 49ers.
Larry Fitzgerald – Noteworthy – Injury
WR Larry Fitzgerald (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday, although he hasn’t missed any games since suffering the injury just before the start of the regular season.
Mike Iupati – Noteworthy – Injury
LG Mike Iupati (back) and RG Justin Pugh (hand) each were able to practice on a limited basis on Wednesday after both players missed last Thursday night’s game against Denver. That’s a good sign they could be ready for Sunday’s home game against the 49ers.
Patrick Peterson – Important
CB Patrick Peterson took to social media on Wednesday to declare that he is interested in helping the team get back on its feet. Peterson’s post on Twitter came two days after he reportedly requested a trade from the Cardinals (1-6). “I’ve been incredibly frustrated with how the season has gone,” the seven-time Pro Bowl selection wrote. “But my energy is 100% focused on being part of the solution & helping us turn this around. I’ve never shied away from a challenge before and I’m not starting now. I have always given my all to the Cardinals organization & fans. That is what I intend to do for the years to come. I am an Arizona Cardinal, and my focus is on this week’s game.”
Tre Boston – Noteworthy – Injury
FS Tre Boston (ribs/shoulder) did not practice on Wednesday and there’s a good chance he will miss his second consecutive game, especially with the bye week looming ahead to give him some extra time to recover. Boston’s absence was noticeably felt during the Cardinals’ 45-10 loss to the Broncos last week when second-year pro Rudy Ford, getting the start in place of Boston, got caught out of position on what turned out to be a 64-yard scoring play on a deep pass from Case Keenum to Emmanuel Sanders.
“Rudy was inconsistent,” head coach Steve Wilks said. “I thought he did some good things, but of course, when you come out of the post right there and you give up a big play, that’s unacceptable. It was a lack of communication out there, not just with Rudy, but with the other 10 guys as well.”