The Arizona Cardinals could have kicker Matt Prater back before the end of the season. Head coach Jonathan Gannon announced Wednesday that Prater would be designated to return from injured reserve, opening a 21-day window in which he can be reinstated to the active roster. He can be activated at any time during the window or at its conclusion.
He could return as early a this week to play the final three games of the season. The latest he could be activated is after the final game of the regular season if the Cardinals were to make the playoffs.
Prater last played in Week 3. He had surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee, his plant leg for kicking. Before he got hurt, he had made all six of his field goals and all 10 of his extra points.
Since then, Chad Ryland has kicked in his place. Ryland has made 22-of-26 field goals, including three game-winners, and all 18 of his extra points.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.