NFL
Why isn’t Garrett Williams playing for the Cardinals against the 49ers? NFL Week 5 injury status
This 2024 NFL season, the former Syracuse cornerback, in four games, had collected teen tackles and one pass interference for Arizona.
The 1-3 Arizona Cardinals travel west for a Week 5 matchup against the 2-2 San Francisco 49ers, who are fresh off a Week 4 win. Arizona is seeking to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the still-young 2024 NFL season, but they’ll have to contend with a 49ers team that appears to be back in form, with their entire arsenal healthy and ready to go.
Arizona’s struggling pass rush, which failed to register a single sack last week, will need to step up to stop San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy, who threw for 288 yards and a touchdown despite a sub-90 passer rating.
Purdy will have no shortage of options in the passing game, with top targets like Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Jauan Jennings all contributing significantly in Week 4. Samuel reeled in a deep pass in stride, while Jennings has also emerged as a go-to option for Purdy, leading the team with 88 yards on just three catches last week.
Cardinals’ weaknesses and injured players
Arizona’s defense, which allowed Jalen Daniels to complete 26 of 30 passes last week, will need to find a way to limit Purdy’s options. The Cardinals have struggled to contain opposing wide receivers this season, ranking among the worst in the league regarding yards allowed to the position. Facing San Francisco’s trio of receivers presents a serious challenge.
On top of that, their best cornerback, Garrett Williams, is dealing with a groin injury that kept him out of practice all week, and he’s now set to miss his first game of the season. The offensive lineman Isaiah Adams, who is struggling with a thumb injury, will join him on the sidelines.
On the offensive side, Arizona’s hopes rest on running back James Conner, who comes off a 100-yard performance. However, the Cardinals’ offense has been inconsistent, and Conner’s big games have alternated with quiet performances. Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray will face an uphill battle against San Francisco’s fierce pass rush, led by Nick Bosa, who notched a sack last week. The Niners’ defensive line, including standout performances from Kevin Givens and Malik Collins, has been relentless in recent weeks.
Murray was sacked four times last week by Washington’s defense, and with Bosa and company coming in hot, Arizona’s offensive line will need to play their best game of the season to give their quarterback a chance. Rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has been a bright spot for Arizona, scoring four touchdowns over the last three games. Still, the Cardinals’ offense will need more firepower to keep up with San Francisco.