Frostee Rucker Injury: Updates on Cardinals DT's Knee and Return

Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Frostee Rucker hadn't played since suffering an MCL injury in Week 1 against the New England Patriots. However, he has been cleared to return.

Continue for updates.

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Rucker Active vs. 49ers

Thursday, Oct. 6

The Cardinals announced Rucker will play against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday.

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Latest on Rucker's Practice Status

Monday, Oct. 3

Darren Urban of the Arizona Cardinals' official website noted Rucker was limited in Monday's practice.

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Rucker a Proven Veteran on Cardinals D-Line

The 33-year-old veteran is in his 11th season in the NFL and his fourth with the Cardinals. He had three tackles and a forced fumble in the Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots.

After the game, Rucker commented on the play that left him injured:

Questions about the rules aside, the Cardinals will be left without one of their veteran players. Rucker started all 13 games he played in last season and was expected to play a big role alongside Calais Campbell on the defensive line.

Although he doesn't put up big numbers, the 6'3", 280-pound tackle is usually a force against the run and clears up space for others to make plays.

The Cardinals came into 2016 with high expectations after finishing 13-3 a year ago and reaching the NFC Championship Game, but a poor start to the season has led to immediate question marks all over the field. This team will need everyone as healthy as possible, and getting Rucker back is a step in the right direction.