Cardinals place Kyzir White of injured reserve

White logged 100 percent of defensive snaps through 10 weeks of 2023 regular season

Yesterday, Cardinals’ linebacker Kyzir White exited the first half of the game versus the Houston Texans after sustaining what was first reported as an elbow injury.

Turns out the injury was much more serious than expected as Cardinals’ head coach Jonathan Gannon announced White will be placed on season-ending injured reserve with a torn bicep.

White signed a two-year deal with Arizona this past offseason after previously playing for the 2022 NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles and was easily the best acquisition by the Cardinals this year.

He has been the most valuable player on the Cardinals’ defense having played 100 percent of the defensive snaps (709 consecutive snaps) through the first 10 weeks of the season.

This is a big blow to a defensive unit that has already lost two starters in L.J. Collier and Carlos Watkins to injured reserve with nose tackle Leki Fotu also dealing with a hand injury.

Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

With his season over, White finished the year with 90 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks, and an interception.

As it stands, it looks as though Krys Barnes will replace White in the starting lineup for the remainder of the season after recording three tackles, an interception, and two pass deflections in his place. Cardinals could explore moving Zaven Collins back to inside linebacker to play opposite Josh Woods.

Cardinals have replacement options but have big shoes to fill with the loss of a team captain and defensive signal caller.