Cards' first-round pick Rodgers-Cromartie carted off field

Cardinals' first-round pick injures right ankle


Associated Press


FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Arizona Cardinals rookie cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was taken off the practice field on a cart after injuring his right ankle on Tuesday.

Lisa Blumenfeld / Getty Images

The Cardinals are counting on Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to be an integral part of their secondary.

Rodgers-Cromartie, the Cardinals' top draft pick, rolled his right ankle during drills halfway through practice and did not return to the field.
Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt spoke briefly after practice but provided little detail on Rodgers-Cromartie's condition.
"We'll know more tomorrow," Whisenhunt said.
"He tried to go but it's a little sore so we'll see tomorrow."
The Cardinals drafted the speedy 6-foot-2, 182-pounder with the 16th overall pick.
Rodgers-Cromartie is expected to push for playing time in the defensive backfield this season and worked with the starting unit several times the past two weeks when starting cornerbacks Eric Green (personal reasons) and Rod Hood (foot) missed practice.
He also is working with the first unit on special teams.
Rodgers-Cromartie was a four-year starter and two-time all-American at Tennessee State.
He had 11 interceptions during his collegiate career, four of which he returned for touchdowns.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press