Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett (90) against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals DT Darnell Dockett went down in practice with an injury to his leg and had Cardinals fans in suspense after he was taken off of the field in a cart. Cards’ fans had their worst fears turn to reality with the news on the injury. Dockett has torn his ACL and will be out for the season. The injury will require surgery and will put Dockett on the sideline for the whole year.
Official word... RT @CardsMarkD : MRI on Darnell Dockett right knee reveals torn ACL. Injury will require surgery & is season-ending.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 19, 2014
That is a big hit for the Cardinals defense. Dockett has been a durable player in the middle of the defense for years and years, but the bug has finally found him. His presence will be missed in the middle of the defense. Last year, the Cardinals stubborn against the run and Dockett was a big part of stuffing the run game. The team will now need to turn to the next man up to stop the ground game. Dockett will be missed. The team will have to rally and find other ways to stop the run. There still is talent up front, but it will be missing a big piece of the puzzle.