Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals Troy Niklas injured again

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Arizona Cardinals tight end finds wrist injury ends his 2016 season early

The Arizona Cardinals history will tell you they don’t usually have very good luck with tight ends. No, I’m not talking about the defense’s inability to cover the opponent. This is about their own tight ends.

For the second time in three seasons, Cardinals tight end Troy Niklas is going to miss significant playing time. This injury results in his season ending after just three games as he went on injuured reserve on Tuesday.

His rookie season in 2014 he was also injured for a period of time. He only played in seven games that season.

Last year, Niklas was able to stay healthy for all 16 games. He ended up starting three of them and had a couple of touchdown receptions, the first two of his career.

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In the preseason this year, Niklas looked as if he was taking hold of the position and was fighting for a starting spot. In the early part of camp, Niklas appeared as if he could end up as the number one tight end on the depth chart.

In the end, Niklas did not end up on top of the depth chart. Instead, he played behind Jermaine Gresham and Darren Fells. He ends his season with just one reception.

For the former Notre Dame standout, now his time as an Arizona Cardinals tight end could be in question. There is no doubt he can block but he isn’t producing on the field. Now the season-ending injury.

You have to feel bad for the young man but this is a business. The Cardinals need players that can contribute consistently. There has been zero indication that his time in Arizona is done but it has to be a thought that has crossed some minds inside and outside of the organization.

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