Frostee Rucker

Rucker put in limited practices Thursday and Friday, and cautiously was expected to play. The 34-year-old should start at defensive end for the Cardinals with Robert Nkemdiche serving a reserve role.

The MCL has claimed a second victim in Monday's injury reports as Rucker joins Houston Texans MLB Brian Cushing with injuries to the knee ligament. The injury occurred in the third quarter in the Sunday night opener, limiting him to just 32 snaps played on defense. The defensive line didn't exactly make like tough on Jimmy Garappolo to begin with and now they will need to find depth quickly as a big piece will be out for a couple of weeks.

Prior to leaving, Rucker was credited with a forced fumble. He walked off gingerly, strongly favoring one side. He's likely getting X-rays right now and the Cardinals should update his status soon.

Rucker had been working his way back from offseason ankle surgery and now is ready to rejoin his teammates on the practice field. He played in 13 games last year before the injury cropped up while recording three sacks and a safety for the elite Cardinals defense. The veteran defensive end should be back to a solid role for Arizona though he certainly won't be the player he once was earlier in his career.