The Arizona Cardinals have been set back by injuries at safety. Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker is expected to miss at least one game after surgery to repair ligaments in his thumb.
Baker has had the surgery and is now recovering. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury spoke about it on Wednesday before practice. He wouldn’t say when he believes Baker will return but hopes he isn’t out long.
“Budda has had the procedure and we’re just hoping it’s sooner rather than later,” he said. “I don’t want to put any timetables on it just yet. Knowing Budda and the type of superhuman he is, you never know. Everything went well, so we’re excited about that.”
Assuming he misses Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers as is expected, the Cardinals will be down both of their starting safeties, as Jalen Thompson is on injured reserve with an ankle injury and must miss at least one more game. Chris Banjo, who has been starting in Thompson’s place, suffered a hamstring injury on Sunday and his status for Sunday’s game is uncertain.
That leaves Deionte Thompson and Curtis Riley as starters, and rookie linebacker Isaiah Simmons, who used to be a safety when he was in college, could see some time as well.
The Cardinals will need a healthy Baker. A quick return will be needed.
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