Arizona Cardinals Injury Report: Game availability update on Josh Sweat & others

SportsTak Desk

SportsTak Desk

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Arizona Cardinals Injury Report: Game availability update on Josh Sweat & others
Arizona Cardinals' Josh Sweat in the frame

Story Highlights:

Josh Sweat’s status remains the main injury question for Arizona entering Sunday’s matchup.

Several Cardinals starters are trending toward availability after full practice participation.

Arizona Cardinals head into their Week 18 road matchup against the Los Angeles Rams with several injury concerns still unresolved.

As the 3-13 Cardinals prepare to close out the 2025 season at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, January 4, their latest injury report lists eight players, with game-time availability hinging on a handful of key names.

Josh Sweat headlines Cardinals injury concerns

Outside linebacker Josh Sweat is the most notable name on Arizona’s report. The veteran pass rusher is listed as questionable with an ankle injury after being limited in practice during the week.

Sweat’s status will be closely monitored, as his presence significantly impacts Cardinals’ ability to pressure the quarterback and set the edge defensively.

With Arizona facing a Rams offense that has shown consistency throughout the season, Sweat’s availability could influence how aggressive Arizona Cardinals are up front.

Offensive line depth takes a hit

Cardinals will be without offensive lineman Evan Brown, who has been ruled out due to a non-injury-related personal designation.

Brown has appeared in four games this season, and his absence further tests Arizona’s offensive line depth in the final week.

On a more positive note, Kelvin Beachum and Hjalte Froholdt are trending toward availability. Both linemen practiced fully, with Beachum listed under rest and Froholdt recovering from an elbow issue.

Their expected availability provides some stability up front despite Brown’s absence.

Defensive starters trending in the right direction

Arizona received encouraging news in the secondary and defensive front. Cornerbacks Max Melton and Will Johnson both logged full practice participation despite dealing with heel and thumb injuries, respectively.

Each has been a consistent contributor this season, and their full participation suggests they are on track to play.

Safety Budda Baker also practiced fully after being listed with a concussion earlier in the week. Baker has been one of Arizona Cardinals’ most productive defenders in 2025, leading the team with 111 tackles while also contributing in coverage and run support.

Defensive lineman Calais Campbell did not practice due to rest, a precautionary listing rather than an injury concern. Campbell has remained impactful when on the field, tallying 6.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss this season.

With most of the injury report leaning toward availability, Arizona appears relatively healthy compared to recent weeks. The primary question remains Josh Sweat’s status, as his ankle issue could affect Arizona’s defensive game plan.