This is not a practice! Arizona Cardinals rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson will make his NFL debut on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

“It’s been a long road for him, but he’s excited for the opportunity,” head coach Jonathan Gannon told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero before the game. “We told him to just take a deep breath and play football. He’s excited and we’re going to get him going today.”

Robinson has yet to play a snap this regular season after suffering a calf injury ahead of the first cuts to the 53-man roster. Soon after, he was placed on injured reserve.

While rehabilitating his calf problem, the rookie also experienced the death of his mother.

“It’s been a long time … but at the end of the day, I’m just on my journey and whatever we see is best for the team, I’ll do,” he said on November 20. “I’m just focused on being the best Darius today.”

While Gannon is excited to see Robinson take the field, he said Friday that the team will be smart about the rookie, knowing this will be the first time he has been outside the field since the Cotton Bowl last December Playing preseason football.

The versatile Robinson came to the Cardinals last April with the No. 27 overall pick out of Missouri.

“I know he will make a difference.”

Arizona Cardinals DC’s Nick Rallis is excited – not curious – about rookie Darius Robinson’s return to the game. pic.twitter.com/IqZmAkzWM5

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) November 26, 2024

JT back

Joining the team this week as an active junior is veteran safety Jalen Thompson.

Thompson missed the last two games with an ankle injury, but completed a week of limited practice before Sunday’s game.

Safety Joey Blount (hip) and running back Emari Demercado (back) are also active.

Who wants to play the Cardinals-Vikings?

Arizona’s inactives include tight end Travis Vokolek, wide receiver Xavier Weaver, offensive lineman Christian Jones, pass rusher Julian Okwara and defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga.

Arizona faces Minnesota at 11 a.m. Catch all the action on the Arizona Sports App, 98.7 and ArizonaSports.com.

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