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Arizona Cardinals injuries: Teddy Williams to go to IR, Bethel's status unknown for Sunday

Two key special teams players go down on Sunday.

Christian Petersen

The special teams unit for the Arizona Cardinals took a hit on Sunday -- especially the punt coverage team -- as Justin Bethel and Teddy Williams were both injured. One is done for the season and the other's status is unknown.

Receiver Teddy Williams tore his Achilles and will have surgery. He will be placed on injured reserve, according to head coach Bruce Arians on Monday. That means a roster move is coming.

Cornerback Justin Bethel suffered a concussion on Sunday and is going through league protocol for such injuries. Arians said his status for Sunday is unknown.

If he is unable to go, that will mean someone will need to step up in a big way in punt coverage. Bethel and Williams represented both the team's gunners.

On a related note, the Cardinals have had the worst luck with their "speed" receivers -- the guys that Arians wants to take the top off of defenses. They drafted Ryan Swope, only to see him retire from football after concussion issues. Robert Gill flashed in training camp, but was hampered with hamstring injuries. Brittan Golden came and caught a 53-yard pass in his Cardinals debut. Then he hurt his hamstring. Williams was signed and he gets a 51-yard catch as well. Now he is done for the year.

If Golden returns healthy, then their speed guy is back. In fact, the team promoting Dan Buckner from the practice squad or signing another receiver is no sure thing. They started the season with only four receivers on the roster. Even with the loss of Williams, they still have five wideouts.