The Arizona Cardinals are one of the surprises of the 2024 NFL season.
At 6-4, they are remarkably in first place in the NFC West. With the way the 49ers, Rams, and Seahawks are struggling, who’s to say the Cardinals can’t make some legitimate noise down the stretch of the season?
Unfortunately, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows in Arizona at the moment.
The team just received word that linebacker Markus Bailey has been handed a six-game suspension by the NFL for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero broke the news of Bailey’s suspension, adding a layer of complexity to Arizona’s strong season. The suspension sidelines Bailey just as the Cardinals enter a crucial stretch of their season.
Bailey, originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has shown steady growth throughout his career.
After a quiet rookie season in which he appeared in 11 games with limited impact, Bailey made significant strides the following year.
In 2021, he recorded a career-high 38 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and defended three passes, solidifying his place as a reliable defensive contributor. He continued to provide value with 24 tackles in 2022 and added 10 more in 2023.
Bailey joined the Cardinals in 2024 on a one-year deal but didn’t make the initial 53-man roster, instead starting the season on Arizona’s practice squad.
Despite his reserve role, his suspension could disrupt defensive depth as the Cardinals push for a playoff berth.
“I would never have intentionally taken a banned substance. This was clearly a contamination issue with only 0.05 nanograms found but due to the NFL’s strict liability policy, it was best for the team and myself to accept the suspension now,” Bailey posted on X.
While navigating Bailey’s absence, the Cardinals are addressing key roster changes, particularly along the offensive line.
Right tackle Jonah Williams, who has been recovering from an injury, is nearing a return, as the team opened his practice window this week.
The Cardinals also made a significant move by releasing veteran lineman D.J. Humphries, signaling confidence in Williams’ readiness.
This adjustment comes at a pivotal moment for Arizona, as quarterback Kyler Murray is enjoying a stellar season and needs strong pass protection to maintain his high level of play.
The Cardinals are currently riding a four-game winning streak and preparing for a critical Week 12 showdown against the Seattle Seahawks.
Arizona’s recent form has ignited hopes for a postseason run.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon emphasized the team’s collective effort and resilience, saying, “We’ve worked hard to put ourselves in this position, but there’s still a lot of football left to play.”
With the team sitting atop the NFC West and addressing both offensive and defensive challenges, the Cardinals’ ability to adapt will be crucial.
While Bailey has not been on the active roster, his suspension is still a concerning development for the young team who’s trying to make a name for themselves.
In the bigger picture, what are your thoughts on the direction the Cardinals are headed? … Do you think they have an outside shot at making a Super Bowl run???
