Sports Illustrated·Aug 21, 2026·1 min readLatest Tip Reiman Injury Update Has Tough Decision Looming for Cardinals

Key takeaways
- Tip Reiman suffered a severe ankle injury in October of the previous season, and his status remains unsettled as he rehabs away from full practice participation.
- Despite being on the PUP list at the start of training camp, coach Mike LaFleur suggested that a ready-for-opener outcome is unlikely, highlighting ongoing conversations about his roster status.
- LaFleur described Reiman as progressing with good and not-so-good days, emphasizing the daily variability of his recovery and the effort he is putting into rehab.
- Earlier in the offseason, the Cardinals had expected Reiman to be ready for training camp, marking a swing in expectations given his current doubtful status for Week 1.
- If kept on PUP, Reiman would miss the first four games, a constraint that complicates the Cardinals’ plans to bolster their running game with one of their best blockers.
- LaFleur praised Reiman’s character and approach, noting the high regard for him since coming out of Illinois and suggesting he remains a significant piece for the team’s direction and run-game identity.
- The evolving situation foreshadows a high-stakes decision about how to manage a key contributor whose health will influence both immediate roster construction and long-term offensive potential.
The Arizona Cardinals face a tough roster call over tight end Tip Reiman, whose lingering ankle injury from last October leaves him on the PUP list and likely unavailable for the season opener. Head coach Mike LaFleur indicates Reiman is progressing but not yet ready, prompting conversations on whether to keep him on PUP and sideline him for at least four games. Reiman, a former third-round pick and key blocker, is central to the team’s plan to establish the run, but his health creates uncertainty about his role this season. The situation underscores broader trade-offs between roster safety and long-term value, with decisions expected to hinge on Reiman’s day-to-day recovery and trust between player and staff. Moving forward, the Cardinals must balance immediate lineup needs with potential future contributions from a pivotal blocker.
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