Gerald

Hayes

''He’s got something wrong with his meniscus there, so they’re going to go in and do a scope on it, see exactly what it is,’' coach Dennis Green said. ''It could be not real bad, or it could be a little worse than that.’' James Darling will replace Hayes as the Cardinals’ starting middle linebacker.

James Darling will take over starting middle linebacker duties.

Hayes is competing with James Darling, who began the game with the 1s, to start at middle linebacker, and made a strong case Saturday night.

If his first exhibition (forced fumble, INT, seven tackles) was any indication, Hayes could be a huge IDP. Karlos Dansby (toe) may return and push him, but who knows when that’ll be.

Signed in early October, Hayes wound up being a healthy scratch for his entire brief Chargers tenure. At age 31, it’s likely that he has little left.

Hayes will be added for veteran insurance with Stephen Cooper (biceps) going on injured reserve. Hayes was a healthy scratch down the stretch last season after battling ongoing back injuries. Now 31, he drew little known interest after being released in late July.

Still troubled by the bulging disc that bothered him last season, Hayes will try to return to a limited practice later this week. Coach Ken Whisenhunt doesn’t seem concerned with the season still months away, but it’s not a good sign that Hayes hasn’t been able to shake the injury.

Hayes is off crutches, but he is not yet able to run. ''I’m just being patient,’' he said. Expect the linebacker to return in approximently four weeks.

He was expected to start before getting injured in training camp. James Darling has taken over in the middle for the Cardinals.

Hayes is reportedly not recovering from his preseason knee injury as quickly as expected. He was initially thought to be out for eight weeks.