The Arizona Cardinals have officially ruled punter Blake Gillikin out for their upcoming match against the Indianapolis Colts on October 8, 2023. Gillikin, who was initially listed as questionable due to a back injury, will be replaced by Pat O’Donnell, who joined the team just days prior.
O’Donnell, signed to the roster on Friday, will take over both punting and holding responsibilities for the Cardinals (2-3). Gillikin, 27, has played in all five games this season and is now in his third year with Arizona after spending two seasons with the New Orleans Saints. His absence marks a notable change for the team as they prepare to face the Colts, who currently boast a 4-1 record.
Injury Updates and Team Adjustments
In addition to Gillikin’s downgrade, defensive lineman Bilal Nichols was added to the injury report as questionable. Nichols, 29, is dealing with personal reasons after being activated from the physically unable to perform list. He played in the previous game against the Tennessee Titans, where Arizona suffered a narrow 22-21 defeat.
As the Cardinals head into this matchup, the team will look to bolster their performance despite the setbacks. The Colts, having a strong start to the season, present a formidable challenge. The Cardinals will need to adapt quickly to these changes if they hope to secure a victory on the road.
With O’Donnell stepping into a key role, the focus will be on how well he can execute under pressure. The game promises to be vital for both teams as they aim to improve their standings in the competitive league.
