Jalen Brooks Out For Season As Arizona Cardinals Deal With Injuries

Wrist Injury Ends Brooks Season

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jalen Brooks will miss the remainder of the season. Brooks posted on social media on Monday that he suffered a wrist injury that required emergency surgery.

Head coach Mike LaFleur revealed that Brooks sustained the injury during the first quarter of their recent game. Despite the pain, Brooks did not tell anyone and continued playing. LaFleur praised his toughness, saying, "That sucks, man. What a tough dude." He added that reviewing the tape showed Brooks occasionally touching his wrist during play.

Replacing the Receiver

Brooks had taken over the X receiver role after Marvin Harrison Jr. was traded to the Houston Texans on Oct. 11. Since the trade, Brooks recorded five catches for 81 yards and was on pace for a career high in receiving yards.

LaFleur explained that the team will use a committee approach to replace him. Rookie Reggie Virgil is expected to take on more snaps at the X spot, while Kendrick Bourne and Simi Fehoko will also fill in.

Key Players Return to Practice

The Cardinals could receive a boost on offense and defense this week. Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is expected to practice on Wednesday. Love missed the last two weeks of practice and two games with a left ankle injury. LaFleur noted that Love's availability for Sunday depends on how his practice week goes.

Cornerback Max Melton and safety Andrew Wingard are also expected to return to practice on Wednesday. Both are dealing with knee injuries. Melton missed Sunday's game against the Broncos, while Wingard missed the last three games.

Setback on the Defensive Line

While several players are returning, defensive tackle Walter Nolen III remains out. Nolen suffered an ankle injury that kept him out of Sunday's game. LaFleur confirmed that Nolen is not expected to practice on Wednesday as he continues his recovery.