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It became a bit apparent in the Arizona Cardinals loss to the New Orleans Saints.
After the last several weeks where Haason Reddick was playing 100% of the snaps along side Jordan Hicks, in New Orleans things started to change.
On Sunday Joe Walker took over the secondary starter position when it comes to snap counts, as he played 40 snaps to Reddick’s 36.
Today, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph made it official, that Joe Walker is the starter:
DC Vance Joseph said LB Joe Walker has "earned" right to play ILB in base defense over Haason Reddick. Reddick remains ILB in sub-packages. Not the direction Reddick wanted to be going at this point in his career. Joseph said it's what is "best for both guys and for the team."
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) October 29, 2019
It is probably the last chance of another failed draft pick for Steve Keim and the Arizona Cardinals.
Walker, a third year linebacker out of Oregon has started three games this year due to injuries, which matches his career total, but he'll surpass that this year on Thursday.
That's the situation that the Cardinals are currently dealing with.
While defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has left quite a bit to be desired, he's also had to deal with trying to figure out a way to get Reddick up to speed in the NFL.
Now, it looks like that's as a coverage linebacker who will get some spot work in base if need be.
That's not a great use of the 13th overall pick, but what's done is done.
Let's hope the move helps the run defense against a great 49ers attack.