Cardinals LB handed six-game PED suspension

Bailey is on Arizona’s practice squad and has made one appearance so far in 2024. The 27-year-old spent his first four seasons with the Bengals, appearing in 60 total games and making four starts. he landed One-year deal with Cardinals in May after showing his ability as a backup linebacker and key special teams presence.

The Purdue product was among Arizona’s final roster cuts, but was quickly retained on a taxi squad deal. Bailey was only promoted to the active roster for the team’s Week 7 contest; During this time, he did not see the field on defense but appeared on special teams. He will no longer be able to play until the Cardinals’ regular season finale.

Arizona is currently on a four-game winning streak, and as a result, the team leads the NFC West. The Cardinals’ success came despite their defense ranking in the bottom half of the league in passing and rushing yards allowed per game. Overall, 12th in defensive scoring is an encouraging sign for the team’s chances of winning a division at-large and making the postseason in head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Offenfort’s second year at the helm.

Bailey doesn’t appear to be in Arizona’s plans at linebacker whenever possible, so his absence will largely go unfelt while he serves the ban. However, if he remains with the organization in the coming weeks, he will have the option to see playing time in Week 18 and/or the playoffs if the Cardinals continue their recent run of success.