GLENDALE – Thursday’s 27-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders comes with a massive toll for the Arizona Cardinals, potentially losing a rookie for the entirety of 2026 season. According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, 2nd-round rookie offensive lineman Chase Bisontis suffered a torn MCL after Raiders defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland accidently fell into his leg.
Bisontis was carted out, with Cardinals fans fearing the worse. While the MCL tear will end his 2026 campaign, it was the only injury in his leg as the ACL remains intact. The former Aggie will have surgery this week.
Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Arizona Cardinals guard Chase Bisontis (57) defends against Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Benito Jones (94) and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Bisontis likely to miss 2026 season:
Fans across the Valley hoped that the 2025 season used all the injury luck for the next decade. The franchise had the most games missed by starters due to injuries last year in the NFL. This offseason has continued that trend with Bisontis becoming the second rookie to have his first-year prematurely ended, as fourth-round pick Kaleb Proctor hurt his meniscus back in July.
Aug 6, 2026; Canton, Ohio, USA; Arizona Cardinals center Jon Gaines II (71) and Chase Bisontis (57) linebacker on the line of scrimmage against the Carolina Panthers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
A tough blow for the 22-year-old, and an offensive line unit that needs bodies. Arizona had a revolving door of guards and tackles last season that was one of the league’s worst. The franchise brought in some veterans like Isaac Seumalo and used a high pick on Bisontis to completely revamp the line for 2026. However, the Cardinals will need to wait until next season to see their vision come to life with this recent injury.