Cardinals Expect CB Antonio Hamilton to Land on First Injury Report
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antonio Hamilton has not been seen on the practice field since Sunday's preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Head coach Kliff Kingsbury was asked about him after a joint practice with the Tennessee Titans Wednesday and had no desire to give much of an update.
"We'll let you know Week 1 when we have to," Kingsbury said.
Kingsbury isn't new to being sheepish about releasing injury information when he doesn't need to, but his statement did reveal that the Cardinals expect Hamilton to be on the first injury report of the season in Week 1 on Sept. 7.
What he is dealing with has not been reported or announced.
Hamilton was also not present during Tuesday's practice at the Cardinals' facility in Tempe, and Kingsbury said at the time the cornerback took the day off for a doctor's appointment.
Kingsbury said he was not too concerned with whatever ailment Hamilton is dealing with, but his secrecy opens the door for speculation, especially with the Week 1 injury report comment.
The 29-year-old is set up for a bigger role in Year 2 with the Cardinals. He started off on the practice squad last year, but appeared in every game in some capacity.
Kingsbury has said during training camp that Hamilton is Arizona's CB2 behind Byron Murphy Jr. and ahead of second-year player Marco Wilson.
The remainder of the Cardinals' cornerbacks room consists of Josh Jackson, Jace Whittaker and rookie Christian Matthew.
Jackson has five starts over the past three seasons while Whittaker has never started a game.
The Cardinals take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 at State Farm Stadium, a team that will test their coverage with a strong offensive line, plentiful weapons and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. They can use all the help they can get, and Hamilton's status is now a question.
"Starbacker" Isaiah Simmons and safety Jalen Thompson are expected to help in the slot this season.
For now, the Cardinals have one more preseason game, and assuming Hamilton will be inactive, their depth pieces will get a close look against the Titans on Saturday.
