TEMPE — The Arizona Cardinals are activating rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson off injured reserve, head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed to Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo on Monday.
“We’ll take it day by day with him and just keep working with him every day and hopefully improving every day and see where it goes,” the head coach added.
Robinson was placed on the IR ahead of initial 53-man roster cuts with a calf injury suffered during the closed portion of practice. In addition to the injury, the rookie has also been dealing with the death of his mother.
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The news of Robison’s activation comes days before his 21-day practice window would have expired.
Had he not been activated by Wednesday, Robinson — who was designated to return on Oct. 9 — would have spent the remainder of the season on IR.
Instead, the rookie now has a chance to crack the rotation as early as this week against the Chicago Bears.
Getting Robinson back in the fold provides a big boost for a defensive line that’s been plagued by injuries this year.
On top of losing starters Bilal Nichols and Justin Jones for the year, Roy Lopez, Khyiris Tonga and Naquan Jones have all dealt with their own injury issues.
Robinson joined the organization as the 27th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft this past April after playing his college ball at Missouri.
How has the Cardinals defense fared so far in 2024
Eight weeks into the regular season, Arizona has allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game (140.9) and the fourth-most rushing touchdowns (10).
Through the air, the Cardinals have allowed the seventh-most passing yards per game (235.6) and are 13th in passing touchdowns given up (11).