With a win-or-go-home scenario coming for the Cardinals Sunday in Los Angeles against the Rams, their offense lost a key piece Saturday when the team placed wide receiver Christian Kirk on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
On the season, Kirk has 48 receptions for 621 yards and six touchdowns.
The Cards already had key offensive players going into the game as game-day decisions because of injuries: wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (groin), running back Chase Edmonds (hip) and tight end Maxx Williams (ankle). The Rams, meanwhile, are ranked in the top-three on defense in most major categories.
Even if Fitzgerald plays, Kirk's absence will place greater need from second-year wideouts KeeSean Johnson and Andy Isabella. Isabella figures to be active for the first time since Fitzgerald returned from the COVID list three games ago.
Also Saturday, the Cardinals brought three players up from the practice squad. Defensive lineman Stacy McGee was elevated, while linebacker Terrance Smith and cornerback Jace Whittaker are COVID-19 replacements for Kirk and safety Chris Banjo.
ESIASON IN FOR ROMO
Due to COVID protocols, former Cardinals quarterback Boomer Esiason will replace Tony Romo as the TV analyst alongside Jim Nantz during CBS' broadcast of Cardinals-Rams.
