The Arizona Cardinals know they are going to be shorthanded at safety this week. Jalen Thompson is on injured reserve and will be out at least one more week. Budda Baker will be out at least this week after he has surgery to repair torn ligaments in his thumb.
Backup Chris Banjo, who has been starting Thompson’s place, has a hamstring injury and his availability for this week is uncertain.
So they are looking for help outside the organization.
They brought in a former Pro Bowler, according to NFL transaction wire on Monday — veteran safety T.J. Ward.
Another familiar name on the wire: The #Cardinals are bringing in veteran safety T.J. Ward for a tryout.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 28, 2020
Ward played for the Denver Broncos from 2014-2016. Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph coached there but in 2017-2018, so the two did not cross paths.
Ward last played in 2017 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was a Pro Bowler in 2013-2014.
Ward is now 33 years old. If the Cardinals sign him, he could actually start. As of right now, the starters for this weekend against the Carolina Panthers are likely going to be Deionte Thompson and Curtis Riley.
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