In a crucial Week 9 matchup on Monday Night Football, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton has been ruled out of the game due to a concussion. The injury occurred in the first half against the Dallas Cowboys, raising concerns for the team’s defensive lineup.
Melton’s Impact and Season Performance
Max Melton has been a key player for the Cardinals this season. Having started all six games prior to this incident, Melton recorded four passes defensed and 22 tackles in 2025. His agility and speed have made him an essential addition to the team since being selected in the second round of the draft two seasons ago.
Current Defensive Situation
As the Cardinals faced the Cowboys, they were already missing critical players, including Starling Thomas and Sean Murphy-Bunting. Both Garrett Williams and Will Johnson were listed as questionable but were active for the game. Head coach Jonathan Gannon had expressed awareness of the challenges presented by the Cowboys’ explosive offense.
The Cowboys’ Offensive Threat
- CeeDee Lamb – Wide Receiver
- George Pickens – Wide Receiver
- Jake Ferguson – Tight End
- Javonte Williams – Running Back
- KaVontae Turpin – Wide Receiver
- Dak Prescott – Quarterback
Gannon indicated that stopping Dallas requires a strategic defense tailored to their playmakers. He recognized the need for precise calls to mitigate the damage from the Cowboys’ skillful options.
Next Steps for the Cardinals
As the game progressed, Melton had already faced a deep throw intended for Lamb before exiting. With Melton out, the Cardinals will likely rely on either Kei’Trel Clark or Denzel Burke to step in and fill the gap left by their starting cornerback. The team was leading 17-7 as they headed into the second half.
This game presents a significant challenge for the Cardinals, particularly with their depleted defensive roster. Further updates regarding Melton’s condition and the game’s outcome will be forthcoming as the situation develops.
