The Arizona Cardinals have placed their starting linebacker, Kyzir White, on season-ending injured reserve. White tore his bicep during their loss to the Houston Texans. He tried playing through the injury but couldn’t take the pain anymore. Head coach Jonathan Gannon didn’t know he tore his bicep during the game:
“It was kind of gut-wrenching to watch because I didn’t know he tore his bicep and he’s out there playing with one arm. That’s why he is who he is.”
The Arizona Cardinals starter was drafted by the Chargers in 2018
The Los Angeles Chargers drafted Kyzir White in the 4th round, 119th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. He agreed to a 4-year, $3,114,441 rookie contract with a $654,441 signing bonus and $654,441 guaranteed.
The Chargers coaching staff decided to move White from safety to linebacker during rookie minicamp and he quickly adjusted to the new position. He entered training camp in competition for the weak-side linebacker position with Jatavis Brown. White won the weak-side spot to start the season.
He started in the first three games, recording 17 tackles, one for loss, one interception, and two pass deflections. He suffered a knee injury in Week 3, which required minor surgery, and missed Weeks 4-8. The Chargers shut him down for the season on November 3.
He appeared in every game and started in seven during his second season, recording 40 tackles, one for loss, one interception, and two pass deflections.
He appeared in 11 games and started in 10 during his third season, recording 77 tackles, four for loss, 0.5 sacks, and three pass deflections. He missed two games because of COVID and was placed on injured reserve on December 23 due to a hamstring injury, ending his season.
White started in every game during his last season with Los Angeles. He recorded 144 tackles, seven for loss, one sack, two interceptions, three pass deflections, and two forced fumbles.
White found a new team in 2022
The Philadelphia Eagles signed Kyzir White to a 1-year, $3 million contract during the 2022 offseason. White appeared in every game, making eight starts, recording 110 tackles, three for loss, 1.5 sacks, and seven pass deflections. He also had 11 tackles in three games during the playoffs.
White reunited with Former Defensive Coordinator in Arizona
Arizona hired Jonathan Gannon to be their next head coach. White reunited with Gannon, signing a 2-year $10 million contract during the 2023 offseason with Arizona.
White started every game in his first season with Arizona, recording 90 tackles, nine for loss, two sacks, one interception, and three pass deflections.
Losing White is a major blow to the Cardinals’ defense. He is one of their captains on the defense and brings veteran leadership.
Who will replace White?
Arizona will have to rely on inexperienced players to replace White. Expect Josh Woods to take over in defensive play-calling duties and Krys Barnes to take over in White’s spot. Will Woods and Barnes step up in the absence of Kyzir White?
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