Arizona Cardinals place Sam Acho, Lorenzo Alexander on I.R.

Arizona Cardinals linebacker (94) Sam Acho against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals have placed two linebackers on the injured reserve today, according to a tweet from Cardinals official site writer Darren Urban. Sam Acho has been placed on the I.R. with an ankle injury, while veteran WILL linebacker Lorenzo Alexander has landed on the I.R. with a leg injury that we don’t know much about. That puts the Arizona Cardinals down two starters at linebacker, and that’s really going to put a strain on this defense.

Sam Acho, 25, suffered the ankle injury in yesterday’s blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints, and the Arizona Cardinals questions have now turned into pressing questions with regards to the pass rush. Acho hasn’t been a legitimate pass rushing presence since he was a rookie, but the loss of a starter still hurts. John Abraham will be starting with both Alexander and Acho on injured reserve, so the pass rush will increase, but likely at the cost of other facets of the game.

Neither Acho’s nor Alexander’s season-ending injuries are devastating as a stand-alone item, but they certainly form a significant issue for the Cardinals defense when combined. Alexander, 30, was playing in a key role, and Daryl Washington can’t get back soon enough. The Cards can survive both injuries, but, again, it hurts to lose two starters at LB. Washington’s return and a good season from Abraham will do wonders for the Cardinals, but Alexander’s Lisfranc injury showcases the bad luck the Cards are facing.

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