Cardinals Guard Bisontis Injured
Arizona Cardinals Guard Chase Bisontis Suffers Serious Knee Injury, Potentially Shifting Job to Isaiah Adams
Key Points
The injury occurred when Raiders defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland landed on Chase Bisontis's left knee, leading to a serious-looking injury that required him to be carted off and labeled 'not good' by coach Mike LaFleur pending further tests.
Cardinals have a recent pattern of rookie offensive linemen sustaining preseason injuries, with Hayden Conner (2023) missing most of his rookie season, Christian Jones (2024) missing most of the regular season, and Jon Gaines (2023) missing his entire rookie year.
Chase Bisontis was the 34th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a placement that underscored the Cardinals' investment in interior line depth and the potential impact of his injury on this position.
Carson Beck, the Cardinals' third-round quarterback, was held out of the game due to rib discomfort, adding to a slate of rookie-related health notes from the preseason.
Arizona Cardinals guard Chase Bisontis left Sunday's preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders on a cart with a serious left knee injury, and the outlook is bleak. Head coach Mike LaFleur described the injury as "not good" and said further tests were needed to determine the extent of the damage, according to Yahoo Sports.
Bisontis, the 34th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, was hurt in the third quarter when Raiders defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland landed on his left knee, NBC Sports reported. The injury may effectively end the rookie's competition for the starting right guard job before the regular season even begins.
Isaiah Adams Steps Into the Starting Right Guard Role
With Bisontis sidelined, Isaiah Adams was listed as the starter at right guard on Arizona's first unofficial depth chart. Bisontis and Adams had been competing directly for that spot. Now, by default, Adams appears to have won the job, according to NFL Trade Rumors.
The interior offensive line was already a key area of focus for the Cardinals this offseason. Bisontis was a high-profile investment — a second-round pick — meant to shore up that depth. His absence leaves the unit unsettled heading into the next preseason games.
LaFleur Offers Gloomy Words, Tests Still Pending
Coach LaFleur did not sugarcoat the situation after the game. He called the injury "not good" and said the team was waiting for more medical evaluation, UPI reported. That kind of language from a head coach usually signals a significant injury — likely involving ligament damage.
Bisontis did not return to the field after being carted off in the third quarter. The Cardinals have not yet released a formal diagnosis. A full ligament tear, like an ACL, would likely end his rookie season entirely.
Cardinals Have a Troubling Pattern of Rookie Linemen Getting Hurt
This is not the first time Arizona has lost a rookie offensive lineman to a preseason injury. The team has seen this play out repeatedly in recent years. Hayden Conner missed most of his 2023 rookie season. Jon Gaines missed his entire 2023 rookie year. Christian Jones missed most of the 2024 regular season, according to Yahoo Sports.
That is three rookies in three years — now potentially a fourth. The pattern raises real questions about how the Cardinals manage young linemen in the preseason. Each lost player set back the team's effort to build a reliable interior line.
More Rookie Health Trouble: Carson Beck Held Out with Rib Pain
Bisontis was not the only Cardinals rookie dealing with health issues Sunday. Third-round quarterback Carson Beck sat out the game due to rib discomfort, NBC Sports reported. The Cardinals did not provide a timeline for his return either.
Two notable rookies sidelined in a single preseason game is a tough start for Arizona. The team now heads into the rest of the preseason with unsettled depth at quarterback and a significant hole at right guard. Both situations will need quick answers before the regular season opens.
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