NFC Notes: Cardinals, Rams, Seahawks

Cardinals

• Per Darren Urban of the team website, Cardinals DC Vance Joseph agrees with first-round LB Isaiah Simmons that it’s time for him to play more on defense: “He’s been patient, and it’s time.”

Rams

Rams’ LT Andrew Whitworth‘s injury is not expected to be season-ending, but HC Sean McVay couldn’t hold back his feelings about someone who means so much to the team.

“Andrew has been so important to us,” McVay said, via Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic. “I don’t know what the extent of the injury is, but this guy is a foundational piece of what we’ve done. He represents all of the things that are right about the Rams. I love this guy. I just have a tremendous amount of respect for the human being, the player. … I sure hope he’s OK.”

• McVay confirmed that Whitworth has a grade 3 MCL/PCL injury and estimated a 6-8 week recovery. While Whitworth goes on injured reserve, OL Joseph Noteboom will play left tackle in his absence. (Jourdan Rodrigue)

Seahawks

• Seahawks’ HC Pete Carroll mentioned that WR Tyler Lockett is dealing with swelling and discomfort due to having a “bit of a knee sprain.” Carroll did, however, say that it’s not a serious injury: “So we’ll look to see how he does day-to-day and take it to Thursday.” (Brady Henderson)
• Carroll thinks RB Carlos Hyde will return for Thursday’s game but doesn’t know what will happen with RB Chris Carson: “Chris is working to get back. He’s trying to make it. Carlos is a little bit ahead of him now.” (Brady Henderson)
• Carroll said C Kyle Fuller suffered a high-ankle sprain but can possibly recover in time to play Thursday. Regular starting C Ethan Pocic has yet to clear concussion protocol and the team is planning to use T Jamarco Jones if Fuller is unable to go. (Brady Henderson)
• Carroll gave an update on S Jamal Adams, who suffered a shoulder injury on Sunday but still says he plans to play on Thursday: “He says he’s playing and he’s ready to go. He got banged up pretty good. Played really with one arm for the most part in the game and did a marvelous job of getting through it.”
• As for CB Shaquill Griffin, there was no update on his status for Thursday, though Carroll did say it was his hamstring and not a concussion he suffered in Week 7 that is bothering him. Carroll also added that CB Quinton Dunbar will need time to return but won’t be placed on injured reserve.