Cardinals’ Maxx Williams’ Injury ‘Feared Major’, Says NFL Insider

In the late second quarter, Arizona Cardinals tight end Maxx Williams caught a pass from Kyler Murray and after reaching the first down, Emmanuel Moseley’s helmet hit the tight end’s right knee on a tackle. Williams was carted off the field and looked like a serious injury.

Maxx Williams injury, omg his leg #SFvsAZ pic.twitter.com/Xpcegq0co3

— Ted Buddy 🏀🏈 (@TedBuddy8) October 10, 2021

Both teams gathered around him and comforted him as he was headed off to the locker room.

It’s Maxx Williams’ right knee. The cart is crossing the field. Lots of players are coming up to Williams.

Now the whole team is running over to him.

— Josh Weinfuss (@joshweinfuss) October 10, 2021

It was no surprise to see the team reporting during the game that Williams would not return.

As expected, Cardinals TE Maxx Williams (knee) is out and will not return.

Looks like it could be very bad.

— Bob McManaman (@azbobbymac) October 10, 2021

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Williams is believed to have suffered a major, season-ending knee injury.

#AZCardinals TE Maxx Williams is feared to have suffered a major, season-ending knee injury on Sunday, source said. Williams, who has emerged as an important target for QB Kyler Murray, took a hard shot to his right knee and was quickly ruled out.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 11, 2021

Williams has been a surprising contributor who took off in Week 2 against the Vikings, catching seven passes for 94 yards. Kyler Murray has looked to him as a safety valve and someone who can play in the middle of the field. With Williams potentially out for the season, the Cardinals lose an important offensive player that could also block in the running game.

To make matters worse on offense, the Cardinals lost center Rodney Hudson against the 49ers due to a ribs injury. Max Garcia came in to replace the anchor leader on the offensive front. Kliff Kingsbury has yet to get an update on Hudson’s injury.

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Players Reactions

“You never want to see that happen to a brother of yours.”

That was Murray talking about Williams’ devasting injury. It was touching to see both teams come over to Williams and support the 27-year-old who was just starting to become a fixture in Arizona.

#AZCardinals lose Maxx Williams to leg injury after 14-yard catch (and missed tackle by Marcell Harris)
Teammates streamed onto field to bid him farewell pic.twitter.com/Wr2bbn8imv

— Cam Inman (@CamInman) October 10, 2021

It hit a lot of players, including defensive players like Zach Allen.

“The severity of it for a guy like Maxx (is disheartening), I mean Maxx has been through hell and back but personally he’s a close friend of mine and I know a lot of guys on this team that love and respect him,” said Allen after the game.

DeAndre Hopkins preached how the Cards will find a way to replace Williams’ services.

“That’s the NFL, next man up,” said receiver DeAndre Hopkins. “Maxx is definitely a big part of this offense. But that’s why (general manager) Steve Keim and those guys go out and get players that can fill that role. I hate what happened to Maxx; Maxx is my guy, but it’s the next man up (mentality) and I think Kliff and those guys will do a good job of preparing the next tight end.”

So who could be the next man up at tight end?