Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd dislocated a few of his fingers three weeks ago and the Cardinals were concerned about his status going into this season. Floyd had the stitches removed from his hand a week ago and head coach Bruce Arians is reportedly optimistic that Floyd will be able to play in the team's week one game, according to Darren Urban of ArizonaCardinals.com.
Floyd has yet to get back on the practice field for the Cardinals but he still has 18 days until Arizona plays their week one game against the New Orleans Saints so he should have ample time to get back for the game.
When Floyd returns there will be questions about his role with the team. John Brown has emerged as the favorite target of Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald is still around to move the chains and catch short passes so it seems like Floyd might be at best their third wide receiver this year. Floyd should still get his fair share of targets but he appears to have moved down the depth chart the past couple of years.
Floyd was the Cardinals first round pick in 2012 and had a breakout year in 2013 in which he looked like he was going to become a star catching 65 passes for more than 1000 yards and five touchdowns but he took a step back last season. Floyd caught a career high six touchdown passes a year ago but caught less than half of his targets and didn't take the step forward that the Cardinals were hoping for. A lot of this could be attributed to the poor quarterback play in Arizona after Palmer went down for the season but Floyd still was a bit disappointing.
Floyd finished a year ago third on the team in targets and should be in for the same kind of usage this year. Palmer being back should mean a better year for Floyd but it will be key to see how he reacts to having dislocated his fingers this preseason. The fact that Arians is optimistic Floyd will be able to play in week one is good for the Cardinals because it gives them another weapon but you have to wonder how effective he could be without much practice or game action.
