J.J.

Russell

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters that Russell is “back in the building and in good spirits.” The latter news is good to hear. It sounds like Russell managed to avoid suffering a serious neck injury, which was a concern yesterday.

It’s possible that the backboard and cart were just precautionary, given Russell’s ability to move his limbs. We wish him a speedy recovery. Russell totaled a career-high 21 tackles with the Buccaneers last year.

The Cardinals released LB Milo Eifler in a corresponding move. Both Russell and Eifler are special teams contributors, though Russell has been more productive in this regard, racking up nine special teams tackles in three NFL seasons to the two Eifler totaled from 2021-2024.

Russell (6'1/210) collided with a Bruins blocker on a kickoff and immediately went down in pain. He was surrounded by trainers and staff before eventually being carted off the field. While the injury looked scary on the field, the ABC broadcast later relayed that Russell has dodged significant injury.

Russell (6'1/210) was carted off the field two weeks ago after colliding with a UCLA player on a kickoff play. It was feared he had suffered a significant injury, but the telecast relayed that it wasn’t feared to be season-ending, and now he has a chance to play Saturday.