Budda Baker and the Cardinals Face Jets Without Jalen Thompson

The Arizona Cardinals are preparing to face the New York Jets in Week 10, but they will have to do so without the services of veteran safety Jalen Thompson. Thompson, who has been a key component of the Cardinals’ secondary, was officially listed as inactive due to an ankle injury he sustained recently. He had been limited in practice on Thursday and missed practice entirely on Friday, leading to his questionable status before being ruled out.

Budda Baker, Thompson’s counterpart in the secondary, will continue to play a crucial role in the Cardinals’ defense. Baker has been a stalwart for the team, and his experience will be vital as the Cardinals adjust to Thompson’s absence. With Thompson out, rookie safety Dadrion “Rabbit” Taylor-Demerson is expected to see extended snaps alongside Baker. Taylor-Demerson has been preparing diligently and is ready to step up and fill the gap left by Thompson’s injury.

Taylor-Demerson, despite his limited defensive snaps so far in the season, has been utilized significantly on special teams. He has expressed his readiness to contribute more defensively, emphasizing his preparation and the opportunity to learn from veterans like Baker and Thompson. The rookie’s defensive snap counts have been sparse, but he is poised to make a bigger impact in Week 10.

In addition to Thompson, other Cardinals players who are inactive for the game against the Jets include rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson, linebacker Julian Okwara, offensive lineman Christian Jones, tight end Travis Vokolek, and wide receiver Xavier Weaver. Offensive lineman Jonah Williams is also out as the team did not activate him from injured reserve ahead of the game.