One of the lone bright spots during the Arizona Cardinals' 2-5 season so far was how well wide receiver Jalen Brooks was playing. The former South Carolina Gamecock was having one of the best seasons of his NFL career in 2026, playing in five games for the Cardinals as a consistent starter on offense and special teams.
But after Arizona's 30-16 loss to the Denver Broncos, the Cardinals released some devastating injury news regarding Brooks. The wideout is now out for the season and was placed on the injured reserve list after suffering a dislocated wrist during the game against the Broncos.
A tough break for Cardinals WR Jalen Brooks. He says he’s done for the year with a wrist injury. pic.twitter.com/lvltNTpMKU
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) October 26, 2026
Although he suffered the injury during the Broncos game, he kept playing through it.
"He didn't say anything to anybody and just looking back at it and seeing it on tape, you could see every once in a while, he's kind of messing with it a little bit," Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur said in his weekly press conference. "I can't say enough about how tough that dude is."
Despite playing through the injury, Brooks finished with his best game of the season, getting six receptions for 35 yards. He also helped the Cardinals get into the red zone during the game:
Jalen Brooks down to the 1!
— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2026
DENvsAZ on CBS/Paramount+
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/WHX48S7hKl
Brooks had caught five receptions for 81 yards so far this season, but was most effective on special teams. He was Arizona's leading punt returner, getting 19 attempts for 499 yards.
Two weeks ago, Arizona upset the Los Angeles Rams 18-16 on the road. The Cardinals kicked a game-winning field goal in the game's final seconds. Brooks made a pivotal play in the win, helping the Cardinals get into field goal range with a 21-yard reception:
What a grab by former #Gamecocks WR Jalen Brooks https://t.co/ZTqP0d9CyN
— Lou Bezjak (@LouatTheState) October 18, 2026
Brooks had worked to get healthy this season, as well. The former seventh-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft out of South Carolina, but entered his fourth NFL season largely on the roster bubble with the Cardinals.
Although he's been in the league three seasons, he has played in just 27 games, making just one career start. He dealt with several injuries that have kept him off the field. But after a strong preseason in Arizona, he made the 53-man roster and was a consistent contributor on offense and special teams.
Hopefully Brooks can rehab and be back better than ever next season.
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