The Cardinals are going to be without Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker for at least a month.
Baker, who hurt his hamstring in practice on Friday before the Giants game, was placed on Injured Reserve on Monday. He must miss at least four more games, meaning the earliest he can return will be the Oct. 22 game in Seattle.
While Baker missed the last two games of 2022 with a shoulder injury, this stint will mark 2023 as the most games Baker has missed in a season. Including last season, Baker had missed just five total games in his career since arriving in 2017. This year he will miss at least five.
"He's going to miss some time but he'll be back," coach Jonathan Gannon said, adding that Baker did not tear the hamstring.
"We all have to rally around it. You're never going to replace a Budda Baker, but we have guys we feel comfortable that can get the job done and play winning football for us."
To fill Baker's roster spot, the Cardinals signed safety Qwuantrezz Knight from the 49ers practice squad.
The team also made a pair of practice squad moves, putting offensive lineman Hayden Howerton on PS IR and signing safety Joey Blount.
"We missed him a lot," fellow safety Jalen Thompson said after the loss to the Giants. "That's our defensive captain right there. It's always good having him on the field. As a leader he makes sure we are all set and all good. It was a big loss to not have Budda out there but it's next man up. We have to keep going and keep going hard."
Losing Baker likely means that Andre Chachere, who was promoted from the practice squad once Baker got hurt, will continue to have a large role on defense. The Cardinals also have the option to move Thompson back to a full-time safety role (he has been playing a lot of nickel) and use veteran cornerback Antonio Hamilton more.
"I thought Andre stepped up and played well," Gannon said. "Made a couple tackles, a couple of (pass breakups). He's as smart as they come. That's why he's here. We'll continue to evaluate who the best people are to put out there."
The Cardinals are also short on the defensive line, with L.J. Collier on IR and injuries costing Leki Fotu and Carlos Watkins playing time. Gannon said the Cardinals are still evaluating Watkins' biceps injury.
The top images taken by the Cardinals team photographer during the 2023 Week 2 regular season game against New York, presented by Earnhardt Auto Centers.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs (9) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune (15) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum (68) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (2) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Krys Barnes (51) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs (9) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs (9), Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman D.J. Humphries (74) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (2) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Andre Chachere (36) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zach Pascal (0) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Victor Dimukeje (52) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (83) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety K'Von Wallace (22) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Victor Dimukeje (52) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Victor Dimukeje (52) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (2) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Marco Wilson (20) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zach Pascal (0) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (83) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs (9) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs (9) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck (45) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jesse Luketa (43) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs (9) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs (9) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck (45) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) and Arizona Cardinals running back Keaontay Ingram (30) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (94) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) and Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (2) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (31) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (2) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz (86) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck (45) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Marco Wilson (20) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Andre Chachere (36) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kyzir White (7) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Jonathan Ledbetter (93) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Christian Matthew (35), Arizona Cardinals safety Andre Chachere (36), Arizona Cardinals cornerback Quavian White (37) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kyzir White (7) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Krys Barnes (51) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman D.J. Humphries (74) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Jonathan Ledbetter (93) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Jonathan Ledbetter (93) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Will Hernandez (76) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman D.J. Humphries (74) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Krys Barnes (51) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman D.J. Humphries (74) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (2) during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals during the Week 2 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, AZ.
