Running back Andre Ellington launches himself on a run Sunday, before leaving the game with a hip pointer.
The offensive line, which has remained the same five healthy bodies all season, suddenly may have some shuffling that needs to be done.
And safety Tyrann Mathieu is holding out hope he isn't sidelined for multiple games.
Starting left tackle Jared Veldheer suffered an ankle sprain in Atlanta, joining the sprained ankle issue for starting right guard Paul Fanaika. Fanaika's injury is a low sprain and not the high one the team thought it was Sunday, so both players still might
be able to play against Kansas City this week.
Mathieu too could play with a broken left thumb, although his status would be determined after a doctor visit Monday. Coach Bruce Arians said Mathieu could end up wearing a cast and playing, or he could end up needing surgery to put a pin in the thumb, which would likely put Mathieu out three weeks.
Running back Ande Ellington's hip pointer will keep him out of practice at least Wednesday, Arians said, adding that Ellington was "pretty sore" Monday.
Tony Jefferson would end up getting more snaps if Mathieu is out. Bradley Sowell would step in for Veldheer, and Jonathan Cooper will start at left guard and Ted Larsen right guard if Fanaika cannot go. Marion Grice likely will be the first one in if Ellington cannot play, but Stepfan Taylor and Robert Hughes will be in the mix, Arians said, while the Cardinals will use a Wednesday padded practice to see where newcomer Michael Bush might fit into the equation.
Arians did say wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (knee sprain) should be back to practice Wednesday.
"Every team has injuries," right tackle Bobby Massie said. "(Backups) get paid too. Time to step up and play."
SHAUGHNESSY SET TO RETURN
Starting linebacker Matt Shaughnessy, who has been on the injured reserve/designated to return list since hurting his knee Oct. 5 in Denver, will finally be back in a game this weekend when the Cardinals play the Chiefs.
"Matt's one of our best run edge defenders," Arians said. "He also does a good job rushing the passer and has been a solid contributor. You always welcome back those kids of guys."
Shaughnessy has been practicing since Nov. 20. Arians said Shaughnessy will work his way back into his full role. Right now, the Cardinals are starting Sam Acho and Alex Okafor at outside linebacker.
CARDINALS CUT BISHOP, PROMOTE STEEN
With the offensive line's injury issues, the Cardinals promoted guard/center Anthony Steen from the practice squad Monday. Steen is an undrafted rookie free agent out of Alabama. To make room for Steen, the Cards released linebacker Desmond Bishop.
The Cards also re-sign tackle Kelvin Palmer to the practice squad Monday.
