The Arizona Cardinals were afraid that cornerback Antonio Cromartie was done for the season with an Achilles injury suffered in last Sunday’s game, but instead it was an ankle injury and Cromartie says he’ll play Thursday.
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The Cardinals are suddenly in danger of losing the NFC West with three always-tough division opponents left to play, and they probably couldn’t afford to lose yet another defensive player to injury. Fortunately, the Achilles injury that they thought Cromartie suffered in last Sunday’s game turned out to be a less-severe ankle injury. It was still no guarantee he’d suit up against the St. Louis Rams on Thursday.
Cromartie managed to jog throughout the week’s practices, but was still listed as questionable when the Wednesday injury report was released. The cornerback said he would be a gametime decision, but early Thursday that was changed.
Cardinals CB Antonio Cromartie, listed as questionable with ankle injury, will play tonight versus St. Louis Rams, per team official.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 11, 2014
The news that Cromartie is playing has to be a sigh of relief for the Cards. He has a team high 10 passes defensed, plus 31 tackles, three interceptions and a recovered fumble that led to a touchdown. The game is shaping up to be a defensive showdown with the Rams defense suddenly firing on all cylinders and both offenses struggling somewhat. Their defense is still the key for the Cardinals if they want to keep ahead of the Seattle Seahawks, who only need to win out to win the NFC West.
The Cardinals and Rams are having similar offensive numbers right now and turnovers have been making the difference. If turnovers are the key Thursday, Cromartie in his usual starting role should play a part.
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