Cardinals Rookie Star’s Season Could Be Over After Devastating Injury vs. Raiders
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Arizona’s second-round pick Chase Bisontis suffered a major setback in Thursday’s preseason win. The Cardinals defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 27-14. Their young offensive guard went down in the third quarter.
A Raiders defender fell on his left knee during a pass protection play. Trainers helped him off the field. He put little weight on the injured leg and later left on a cart. He did not return.
Head coach Mike LaFleur offered a blunt update after the game.
“We’ve got to run some more tests, but I’d say not good right now,” he said.
Tests confirmed the damage. The player tore his MCL. He will undergo surgery next week. Reports indicate the ACL and other ligaments remain intact.
#AZCardinals second-round OL Chase Bisontis, one of their promising young players, suffered a torn MCL that requires surgery against the #Raiders, per me and @MikeGarafolo. Only the MCL will be repaired.
But Bisontis is out most, or potentially all, of the season. pic.twitter.com/Z1XgJJy0dM
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 14, 2026
Chase Bisontis Injury Puts Rookie Season in Doubt
Chase Bisontis entered the league as the No. 34 overall selection out of Texas A&M. He impressed coaches during training camp. The rookie worked with the second-team offense and pushed starter Isaiah Adams for the right guard role.
At Texas A&M, he earned All-SEC honors. He provided elite protection, allowing zero sacks last season for an 11-2 Aggies team. Cardinals staff saw real potential in his size and strength.
The recovery timeline for a surgically repaired MCL usually runs at least three months. A return before late in the season looks unlikely. The team may place him on injured reserve. That move would effectively end his 2026 campaign.
This injury continues a tough stretch for Arizona rookies. Other high draft picks have missed large chunks of their first seasons. The offensive line now faces added pressure without its promising young talent.
Chase Bisontis Recovery Outlook and Cardinals Depth
Chase Bisontis is expected to make a full recovery. The absence still creates an immediate hole at right guard. Isaiah Adams likely locks in as the starter for now.
Other interior options, including last year’s sixth-round pick Hayden Conner, could see more opportunities. The Cardinals must decide soon on roster moves ahead of final cuts.
Fans hoping for an early impact from the second-rounder will have to wait. The team still has two preseason games left. Focus now shifts to keeping the remaining linemen healthy.
