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The Arizona Cardinals secondary, already a question mark going into the season with the trade of cornerback Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie, took another blow with the season-ending injury to projected starting cornerback, Greg Toler. Toler has a torn ACL in his left knee and will be placed on the injured reserve list for the season according to an official team announcement.
Toler hurt his knee in the first quarter of Saturday's preseason game against the Chargers. The replay showed that he pulled up during play after making a cut and that there was no contact involved. He was down on the field for a few minutes but was able to walk off.
After the game the injury was reported as a knee sprain and Toler himself seemed confident it wasn't serious, "When it initially happened, it was just like a tweak, my knee just went out of place. Then when I got up and started moving a little more, it got back to normal."
Toler had an MRI on Sunday that apparently revealed the tear to the ACL.
With the loss, rookie Patrick Peterson will most likely move into the starting spot along side A.J. Jefferson. Veteran Richard Marshall and Adams will provide depth and help in nickel packages. The Cardinals will likely keep an attentive eye on the waiver wire as players get released with roster cuts in the coming days.
This is the second season-ending injury suffered by the Cardinals this preseason. The first was the loss of rookie running back Ryan Williams with a torn patellar tendon. Recovery from a torn ACL is typically about six months. We'll wait for more official news, but it's safe to assume baring complications that Toler would be ready for next season.
Toler joins fellow CB Mike Adams who is recovering from a minor knee surgery and saftey Adrian Wilson (torn biceps tendon) on the list of significant injuries to the secondary. Both Wilson and Adams, however, are expected to play this season.
For more fan discussion on the loss of Toler, visit Revenge of the Birds.