Arizona Cardinals offensive guard Chase Bisontis is expected to miss most or all of his rookie NFL season after sustaining a torn MCL during Thursday's preseason victory against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The No. 34 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft will undergo surgery next week following diagnostic tests, according to Ian Rapoport. While Bisontis is expected to make a full recovery, the recovery timeline is expected to keep him off the field for most, if not all, of the 2026 season.
Bisontis was forced out of Thursday's contest in the third quarter when another player fell on his left knee. Trainers evaluated him on the field before carting him directly to the locker room, and he did not return for the remainder of Arizona's 27-14 victory, ending his night after just two preseason appearances.
Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur expressed concern about the severity of the injury during his postgame press conference.
"We've got to run some more tests, but I'd say not good right now," LaFleur said. "But we've got to run the test."
Training Camp Impression and Roster Competition
The injury marks a heartbreaking setback for Bisontis, who had built strong momentum during his first NFL training camp. The rookie offensive guard caught the attention of Arizona coaches with his performance in practice sessions and had been earning snaps with the second-team offense.
Before the injury, Bisontis was expected to compete with starting right guard Isaiah Adams for playing time during the regular season. The Cardinals drafted Bisontis to bolster their offensive line depth, an area of focus for NFL franchises managing the physical demands of a 17-game regular season schedule.
College Success at Texas A&M
Arizona selected Bisontis in the second round of the draft following an outstanding collegiate career at Texas A&M University. Playing in the Southeastern Conference, one of college football's most competitive divisions, Bisontis starred as an All-SEC selection for the 11-2 Aggies last season and did not allow a single sack.
The medial collateral ligament is one of the four major ligaments in the knee, connecting the thigh bone to the shin bone along the inner edge of the joint. Injuries to the MCL often occur when a direct impact strikes the outer side of the leg, putting strain on the inner ligament. Surgical reconstruction or repair requires a rehabilitation period focused on restoring mobility, strength, and lateral stability before an athlete can resume high-impact competition.
The Cardinals, based in Glendale, Arizona, will continue their preseason schedule as coaches adjust their offensive line depth chart behind Isaiah Adams ahead of the regular season opener.
