In a move expected over the past several days, the Arizona Cardinals sent rookie Hakeem Butler to the injured reserve, ending his season before it even started. Also joining him on the IR was safety Josh Shaw.
Not joining them on the IR was cornerback Robert Alford. Because placing a player on IR now would be different than if he was on the 53-man roster, it is quite possible that Alford could be placed on the 53-man roster and then placed on IR next week.
That move would make Alford eligible to return during the 2019 season.