Cardinals LB J.J. Russell hospitalized for head/neck injury

Arizona Cardinals linebacker J.J. Russell was taken to a local hospital for evaluation of a head and neck injury sustained at practice on Thursday, the team announced.

Russell collided with rookie safety Kitan Crawford during a 7-on-7 drill on the second day of practice in Glendale. After the team huddled around him, Russell was placed on a backboard and carted off the field while Crawford was able to get to his feet, according to multiple media reports. Head coach Jonathan Gannon then ended practice.

"(Russell) was alert on the field & had movement in all his extremities," the Cardinals said in the statement. "He has been taken to a local hospital for further testing & continued evaluation."

JJ Russell is being evaluated for a head & neck injury suffered in this afternoon's practice. He was alert on the field & had movement in all his extremities. He has been taken to a local hospital for further testing & continued evaluation.

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) July 24, 2025

Russell, 26, signed as a free agent in May. He played the past three seasons for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, totaling 49 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery and two passes defended in 30 regular-season games (four starts).

Russell was primarily a special teams player for Tampa Bay. He took 73 percent of the special teams snaps in 16 games in 2024, which included three starts on defense. He also started the Bucs' playoff game last season against Washington and made three tackles.

--Field Level Media