Cardinals sign Red Bryant, place LaMarr Woodley on IR
Red Bryant’s plan to spend Thanksgiving with family in Texas changed Wednesday when the Cardinals called.
The former Seahawks and Jaguars defensive tackle flew to Phoenix on Wednesday night, worked out for the Cardinals on Thursday and signed shortly after.
“I had made up my mind that I thought I wouldn’t play this season, and I thought I would try to come back next year,” Bryant said. “So for the Cardinals to give me this opportunity this late in the season, I hope I can take advantage of it.”
Outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley, who suffered a torn pectoral muscle last Sunday against the Bengals, was placed on injured reserve. Woodley had been playing with a chest injury for several weeks, but the pectoral muscle completely tore on Sunday.
Arizona Cardinals leaning on youth as injuries mount
Bryant (6-feet-4, 323 pounds) is a seven-year veteran who started every game last season with Jacksonville. He spent his first six years with the Seahawks.
Bryant was released by the Jaguars last March and contemplated signing with the Patriots. But he was also considering retirement. After a talk with his wife, he decided to continue playing and signed with the Bills in September.
Bryant admitted he was not in good shape while with the Bills, who cut him on Sept. 5.
The Cardinals have several injured defensive linemen, so Bryant could play on Sunday against the 49ers.
Two defensive linemen, starter Frostee Rucker and reserve Cory Redding, are expected to miss the game with ankle injuries. Ed Stinson (groin) has not practiced the last two days.
“As you know our history here, we sign someone on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, they’re playing by Sunday,” defensive coordinator James Bettcher said. “We’ll work out that rotation by the end of the week, who will be starting inside, who will be in the mix.
“He’s been there and done that in the division,” Bettcher said. “We really feel like he’s a great addition.”
Woodley started seven of 10 games for the Cardinals and had 15 tackles and one sack.
In most passing situations, he was replaced by rookie Markus Golden, who will move into the starting lineup.
Rookie Shaq Riddick, inactive all season, might play for the first time.
Injury update
Receiver John Brown (hamstring) practiced after missing Wednesday. Defensive tackles Ed Stinson (groin), Cory Redding (ankle) and Frostee Rucker (ankle) did not practice. Cornerback Patrick Peterson (ankle) was not at the facility because his wife is about to give birth to their first child, according to receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
Starting inside linebacker Deone Bucannon apparently suffered a concussion in practice on Wednesday and did not practice on Thursday.
Coach Bruce Arians does not meet with reporters on Thursdays, so details were not available.
Defensive tackle Calais Campbell (knee) practiced fully after being limited on Wednesday. The remainder of the Cardinals injury report stayed the same.
For the 49ers, linebacker NaVorro Bowman (shoulder/finger) practiced after missing Wednesday's work. Linebacker Ahmad Brooks (concussion) and running back Carlos Hyde (foot) remained out.
