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The 2016 NFL season was a tough one for the Arizona Cardinals. The 2017 offseason has not been much kinder.
As was reported by Bruce Arians today, Deone Bucannon, one of the key returning pieces to the Arizona defense just underwent ankle surgery.
Arians: LB Deone Bucannon just had ankle surgery. Hope he's back in early September.
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) May 16, 2017
At a position where there were a lot of questions heading into the season, the Bucannon injury puts an even greater emphasis on rookie Haason Reddick learning the finer points of the position he is moving to. It also puts a greater burden on veteran linebacker Karlos Dansby to find the fountain of youth while also being a great teacher to Reddick.
Bucannon surgery takes position with depth & undercuts it. Rookie Hasson Reddick is your starter now - for those wanting top pick to play.
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) May 16, 2017
It is not the way you ever want your top pick to play, because of a surgery that seems to be one that will require up to six months of healing.
Yet, it also highlights just how disenchanted with Daryl Washington the Arizona Cardinals were, as they did not want to keep him around for an emergency... Such as an injury to one of the entrenched, veteran starters.
Here is to a fast recovery, a short learning curve and continued health for all involved.