TEMPE — The Arizona Cardinals and their fans continue to await rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson’s NFL debut after he went down with a calf injury ahead of initial 53-man roster cuts in August.
Since he was designated to return off injured reserve on Oct. 9, the rookie has logged just one limited practice. Even after his activation off IR, which head coach Jonathan Gannon called procedural due to his 21-day practice window closing, Robinson has remained absent from practice.
The No. 27 overall pick has had to deal with more than just the calf injury, too, with the death of his mother.
But while Robinson has had more on his plate than most rookies early on in their careers, Gannon confirmed Friday that the defensive lineman has not suffered any kind of setback.
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“He’s doing a good job and getting better every day,” Gannon added. “Hopefully we’ll get him out here soon.”
Getting Robinson back in the mix would at the very least provide a big boost depth-wise alongside Dante Stills, Roy Lopez, L.J. Collier, Naquan Jones and Khyiris Tonga.
Matt Prater, Jonah Williams itching to get back
Robinson isn’t the only projected Cardinals starter trying to get back to full strength right now.
Still residing on injured reserve, both kicker Matt Prater (left knee soreness) and offensive tackle Jonah Williams (knee) are “itching” to get back, according to Gannon.
“He’s doing well. He was in there today,” the head coach said about Prater before adding he expects the kicker back in this year.
Prater hasn’t played since Arizona’s Week 4 loss to Washington with a left knee issue. The kicker was placed on the IR on Oct. 15 and must miss at least one more game before he can be eligible to return.
And once he does, the veteran may have a kicking battle on his hands with Chad Ryland.
The youngster has filled in nicely in place of Prater, showing off his leg from long range and knocking in a trio of game-winning field goals since coming aboard.
Williams meanwhile is nearing a return sooner than later after his practice window was opened on Oct. 30.
The right tackle has not missed a day of practice since, though he has yet to log a full day of work.
All signs point to him being ready shortly after Arizona’s Week 11 bye.
“He’s doing well. He was out there yesterday,” Gannon said. “He’s been out there this week. One day at a time with him, but he’s itching. We’ll be smart with him and see when he can get back out there.”
In place of Williams has been swing tackle Kelvin Beachum, who has dealt with his own injury issues this season.