Is Cardinals’ Will Hernandez out for the rest of the season?

The Arizona Cardinals pulled off one of the surprises of Week 5 of the NFL by beating the San Francisco Giants 24-23 on the road. However, the loss of guard Will Hernandez will deplete the offensive line. According to the report by Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the University of Texas-El Paso graduate suffered a knee injury that will sideline him for the rest of the 2024 season.

The guard of Mexican descent played 41 of the Cardinals' 58 snaps against the 49ers due to a knee injury sustained on a hit from Nick Bosa. Head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed that Hernandez, 29, will go on injured reserve.

In total, Hernandez played 280 snaps and committed only two penalties, both holdings.

The player selected in the second round of the 2018 Draft by the New York Giants is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the season because he will finish the two-year, $9 million contract he signed in March 2023 with the Cardinals.

The Cardinals' options to replace Will Hernandez

Depth is an issue at the center positions for the Cardinals. After Hernandez’s injury, Arizona turned to Trystan Colon at right guard.

However, backups Isaiah Adams, a thumb guard, and Carter O’Donnell are out with injuries. Perhaps backup center Jon Gaines II will get a chance to replace Hernandez.

They have three options on the practice squad: Luke Tenuta, Charlie Heck, and Keith Ismael. Of those, Ismael played in 13 games in 2023 with the Cardinals, but mainly on special teams.