NFC Notes: Cardinals, Giants, Rams, Vikings

Cardinals

• Cardinals HC Bruce Arians said rookie DT Robert Nkemdiche could miss “a week to 10 days” due to a calf injury, but does not think he will miss any regular season games: “I hate that he’s going to miss some times. I don’t think he’s going to miss any games.” (Josh Weinfuss)
• Arians added that Cardinals CB Justin Bethel has earned the starting right cornerback job: “He’s earned that job. I’m as pleased with the corner position as just about any position on the team right now.” (Josh Weinfuss)

Giants

Yesterday, the Giants somewhat surprisingly placed CB Valentino Blake on the left squad list.

Giants HC Ben McAdoo explained Thursday that Blake left the team for personal reasons.

“He’s dealing with personal issues. We’re going to give him some time and space to deal with those,” McAdoo said, per Ralph Vacchiano of SNY.com.

McAdoo added that he is unsure of how much time Blake will require and did not say how long his roster exemption will last: “We haven’t had that conversation yet.”

Rams

Rams LB Alec Ogletree is confident that they’ll eventually get an agreement in place on a long-term extension.

“It will get done eventually, one way or another,” Ogletree said, via the Los Angeles Times.

Ogletree added that he plans to play out the final year of his contract with the Rams regardless.

“Play this season, see how it goes,” Ogletree said, via the L.A. Times “and if we get a deal done before then great.

“If not, we’ll take it from there. I’m just focusing on one thing at time: getting ready for this season, Game 1, and the rest will take care of itself.”

Vikings

• Vikings HC Mike Zimmer said the next two weeks will be a critical time for DT Datone Jones: “At times he’s had a good stretch and then stretches where he reverts back. Next two weeks will be important.” (Chris Tomasson)
• Tomasson adds that unless Jones steps up in final preseason games, he could be in danger of not making the cut.