Defensive lineman Isaac Sopoaga (71), signed by the Cardinals Wednesday following Darnell Dockett's injury, shares a laugh with Calais Campbell during practice.
The Cardinals moved quickly to try and help fill the void left by Darnell Dockett's season-ending knee injury, signing former 49ers defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga and former Broncos defensive end Ryan McBean Wednesday.
Dockett was officially put on season-ending injured reserve.
Both Sopoaga and McBean worked out for the Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium prior to Wednesday's practice. They were both in uniform soon after and both took part in practice, including some 11-on-11 work as the Cards prepare to play Cincinnati Sunday night.
Sopoaga shrugged off the idea he had to rush right into a practice.
"I've been doing this for 11 years, and 12 years I've played rugby," Sopoaga said. "It's truly a
blessing."
The Cardinals came calling after Dockett tore his ACL in Monday's practice. Multiple reports also had the Cardinals trying to sign veteran defensive end Brett Keisel, but Keisel instead returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he has played since 2002.
Sopoaga (6-2, 330) began his career in San Francisco in 2004 and played for the 49ers through 2012. Last season he signed a three-year free-agent deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, but after it didn't work for him there he was traded to the New England Patriots. The Patriots released him in March.
"I'll take it one day at a time," Sopoaga said. "There are guys here that I trust and they've been working hard since the beginning of preseason."
McBean (6-5, 305) last played in the NFL in 2011 when he appeared in 16 games for the Broncos, starting three games. He spent the 2012 season on injured reserve with the Baltimore Ravens.
The Cardinals still have one open roster spot.
The players are hoping to slide into a defensive line rotation that includes ends Calais Campbell, Frostee Rucker and rookies Kareem Martin and Ed Stinson. In the middle, the Cardinals have Dan Williams and Alameda Ta'amu, who came off the PUP list Tuesday.
Rucker will take Dockett's spot in the starting lineup.
"I am comfortable with what Todd (Bowles, defensive coordinator) wants, and I'm just ready to work," Rucker said. "Darnell has been the heartbeat of this team for 11 years. You don't really replace that, you just step in and do what you do."
