Haason Reddick Out ‘A Few Weeks’ With Knee Injury

[Big Red]

The Cardinals are dealing with their first significant injury of training camp.


Inside linebacker Haason Reddick had arthroscopic surgery on his knee and will miss “a few weeks,” coach Kliff Kingsbury said.


Reddick, the team’s first-round pick in 2017, is projected to be a key piece in the middle of the defense this season. The Cardinals’ first regular season game against the Lions is on Sept. 8.


“We feel fortunate that we will have him back, but it will be a few weeks,” Kingsbury said.


Backup Dennis Gardeck, who made the team as an undrafted free agent a year ago for his special teams prowess, worked with the first team on Friday in Reddick’s absence. Kingsbury said Gardeck turned some heads in the offseason.


“He’s a guy who shows up early, extra hard worker, very football intelligent,” Kingsbury said. “We’re all anxious to see how he handles this.”


The Cardinals used several different combinations at linebacker in 2018, but Gardeck was not able to break into the rotation. If he fares well over the next few weeks, Gardeck figures to be the top option if Reddick is not ready when the regular season begins.


“That’s what you play for,” Gardeck said. “I appreciate them trusting me and giving me that opportunity. Now it’s my job to come through and show that I’m able to step in if there is an injury.”


Gardeck will be working alongside middle linebacker Jordan Hicks during Reddick’s absence. Hicks is no stranger to injuries after missing 13 games the past two seasons.


“It sucks that (Reddick) is hurt, but we’ve all been there,” Hicks said. “We’re there for Haason, but at the same time, it’s an opportunity for someone else to get those reps and see what they can do against the (starting) offense. It’s exciting for Dennis. He’s done a good job.”


Gardeck is trying not to put too much pressure on himself with the increased responsibility.


“One thing I learned from my rookie year is, don’t ride that roller coaster,” Gardeck said. “Never too high. Never too low. Just approach each day with clear eyes and make the most out of every opportunity.”

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