The Arizona Cardinals have placed linebacker Dennis Gardeck on injured reserve after suffering a hand injury in practice Friday, the team announced.
In a corresponding move, the Cardinals signed linebacker Kylie Fitts to the active roster from the practice squad. The team also elevated cornerback Antonio Hamilton to the active roster as a COVID-19 replacement.
Gardeck was recovering from ACL surgery in the offseason and was on track to play Week 1 against the Titans prior to Friday’s injury. He closed last season second on the Cardinals with 7.0 sacks in 94 defensive snaps, adding 16 total tackles, seven tackles for loss and 10 quarterback hits.
As for Fitts, he’s been with the organization since 2019. He only played in three games during the 2019 season, but saw action in 13 games in 2020, including one start. Fitts was originally a sixth-round draft pick (No. 181 overall) by the Chicago Bears in 2018.
The Cardinals signed Hamilton earlier in the month to the practice squad. The five-year NFL vet has seen action in 57 games which includes two starts. Hamilton played in all 16 games last season for the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Cardinals kick off their season on the road against the Titans on Sunday. Tune to 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station at 10 a.m. for all the action.