Kennard, Murphy placed on Reserve/COVID list, and the Return of the Maxx

It seems that the Cardinals did not escape the bye week unscathed. Just as Maxx Williams is designated to return from the IR list, they find themselves down two starters on defense.

From the team:

CARDS DESIGNATE WILLIAMS TO RETURN FROM IR & RE-SIGN BAYLIS TO PRACTICE SQUAD

Tempe, AZ – The Arizona Cardinals Football Club today announced that the team has designated tight end Maxx Williams to return from the injured reserve list and has re-signed tight end Evan Baylis to the practice squad.

Williams can begin practicing and the team can activate him to the 53-man roster at any time during the next 21 days or at the conclusion of the three-week period.

Baylis (6-5, 250) has played in three games with the Cardinals this season after originally joining Arizona’s practice squad on September 29. He was released from the Cardinals active roster last Tuesday.

In addition, the team has placed linebacker Devon Kennard and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.

This reserve list category was created for a player with a positive test for COVID-19 or who has been quarantined after having been in close contact with an infected person or persons. If a player falls into either of these categories, his club is required to immediately place the player on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Per agreed upon NFL-NFLPA policy, clubs are not permitted to comment on player’s medical status other than referring to roster status. Clubs may not disclose whether player is in quarantine or is positive for COVID-19.

While the loss of two starters at positions that are already thin is cause for alarm, the return of Maxx Williams is one many a fan has looked forward to. Last season, Williams was PFF’s highest graded run blocker at the position. Let’s hope the rust comes off quickly.

Welcome back, Maxx and Evan.