The Arizona Cardinals lost starting inside linebacker Haason Reddick for a few weeks after he had minor knee surgery. He will be out for a few weeks but is expected back for the season opener.
In the meantime, second-year linebacker Dennis Gardeck has the opportunity to practice and play in his place. He has already caught the eye of defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who named him as a dark horse in the spring.
Joseph isn’t the only one who sees promise in the young linebacker.
“He’s a guy who really showed up in the spring, flying around,” said coach Kliff Kingsbury on Saturday. “(He) made a name for himself in this organization on special teams last year. (He) really stepped up at position work in the spring and I think everyone is excited to see what he can do with extra reps and going with some of the ones at times.”
Effort isn’t a problem.
“He’s a guy that shows up early, extra hard worker, very football intelligent, so we’re all anxious to see how he handles this,” said Kingsbury.
Gardeck plays hard. He is smart. He is very physical and athletic. He is unproven but has the opportunity to perhaps even keep Reddick on the bench once he comes back.
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