Max Melton Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Rams vs Cardinals game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 30, 2025
Inactive Sunday
Melton (heel) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.
ANALYSIS
The cornerback was limited in practice Wednesday, missed Thursday's session and was limited again Friday. In his absence, Denzel Burke should get the start.
Nov 28, 2025
Questionable for Sunday
Melton (heel) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton was a limited participant Friday after suffering a setback that rendered him unable to participate in Thursday's session. The cornerback's ability to suit up for Sunday's game will likely hinge on whether he suffers another setback over the weekend. If the 23-year-old cannot suit up, Denzel Burke will once again play outside corner for the Cardinals, this time replacing Melton instead of fellow outside cornerback Will Johnson.
Nov 27, 2025
Downgrades to DNP
Melton (heel) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, but apparently suffered a setback with the heel injury he likely sustained during the Cardinals' Week 12 overtime loss to the Jaguars. The downgrade in practice participation is a bad sign for the starting cornerback's chances to suit up for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.
Nov 26, 2025
Nursing heel injury
Melton (heel) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton likely picked up the injury during the Cardinals' Week 12 overtime loss to the Jaguars, when he played just 25 snaps (15 on defense, 10 on special teams) while logging on tackle. Melton will have two more chances to increase his practice participation to avoid an injury tag for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. He has accumulated 31 tackles (21 solo) and five pass defenses across nine regular-season games.
Nov 14, 2025
Looking good for Sunday
Melton (concussion) does not carry an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game versus the 49ers, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton was able to log a full practice for the first time since suffering a concussion in Week 9 at Dallas on Friday, and he projects to play in Week 11. He should fill back into a near-every down role at corner across from a San Francisco receiving corps headlined by Jauan Jennings and 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall.
Nov 13, 2025
Dons non-contact jersey Thursday
Melton (concussion) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton has opened the week with back-to-back limited practices, and he was spotted wearing a yellow non-contact jersey during Thursday's session, per Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic. Melton was unable to play in Week 10 while in the league's five-step concussion protocol, and he would need to be cleared by an independent neurologist in order to play in Sunday's NFC West tilt against the 49ers.
Nov 12, 2025
Returns to practice
Melton (concussion) was estimated to have logged a limited practice Wednesday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton was unable to clear concussion protocol ahead of Arizona's Week 10 loss to the Seahawks after not practicing in any capacity. His return to the field marks progress, though he'll need to clear the league's concussion protocol before being cleared for a Week 11 matchup with San Francisco.
Nov 7, 2025
Out for Week 10
Melton (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Seahawks, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The 23-year-old from Rutgers was unable to clear concussion protocol in time to play in Week 10. He's operated as one of the Cardinals' top boundary cornerbacks this season, recording 26 total tackles and four passes defended across seven appearances. With Melton and Will Johnson (back) both sidelined Sunday, Denzel Burke and Elijah Jones are expected to start as Arizona's top outside corners.
Nov 5, 2025
Absent from practice
Melton (concussion) did not participate at practice Wednesday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official website reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton suffered a concussion in the team's 27-17 win over the Cowboys in Week 9, and he has now opened the week on the sidelines at practice. The cornerback will have two more chances to return to practice this week, and he will have to clear concussion protocol in order to play Sunday in Seattle.
Nov 3, 2025
Done for Week 9
Melton (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Monday's matchup against Dallas.
ANALYSIS
Melton was evaluated for a concussion in the second quarter and was officially ruled out late in the third period. During his time in the game, he logged four tackles (three solo). Melton will need to clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol in order to be able to suit up in Sunday's Week 10 battle against Seattle.
Nov 3, 2025
Possible concussion
Melton is being evaluated for a possible concussion and is questionable to return to Monday's game against the Cowboys.
ANALYSIS
Melton took a hit to the head during the second quarter of Monday's game, and he is being evaluated by medical staff to determine whether he can return. Denzel Burke and Kei'Trel Clark are candidates to see more snaps at outside corner for as long as Melton is out of the game.
Oct 12, 2025
Active versus Colts
Melton (hamstring) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Colts, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official website reports.
ANALYSIS
After being a limited participant in practice all week, Melton is active for Sunday's game against the Colts. Melton has logged 216 defensive snaps for the team this season, recording 14 total tackles and three passes defended, but was sorely missed in the Week 5 loss to the Titans. With Will Johnson (groin) also active, Arizona will be the healthiest they've been in the secondary in some time.
Oct 10, 2025
Questionable to face Indianapolis
Melton (hamstring) was a limited participant in Friday's practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Colts, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton has been limited in practice all week due to a hamstring injury. He was unable to play against the Titans in Week 5, but the 2024 second-rounder has a chance to make his return against the Colts, though his official status may not be known until the Cardinals announce their list of inactive players approximately 90 minutes before Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. Kei'Trel Clark could be deployed at outside corner opposite Will Johnson if Melton is not cleared to return.
Oct 8, 2025
Still tending to hamstring issue
Melton (hamstring) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton sat out in Week 5 versus the Titans after hurting his hamstring during practice, and now his availability for Week 6 is in jeopardy. He'll likely need to manage a full practice Thursday or Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.
Oct 5, 2025
Won't play Week 5
Melton (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Titans, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton injured his hamstring in practice late in the week, and the injury is severe enough for the second-year corner to miss his first game of the regular season. Denzel Burke and Elijah Jones are the top candidates to start at outside corner in Melton's absence.
Oct 4, 2025
Dealing with hamstring issue
Melton (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Titans.
ANALYSIS
Melton practiced in full all week, but it now appears he's sustained a hamstring injury that could sidelined him in Week 5. The second-year corner has tallied 14 total tackles and three passes defended through Arizona's first four games this season. If he's forced to miss Sunday's contest, Elijah Jones is likely to see increased work with the Cardinals' first-team defense.
Sep 21, 2025
Cleared for Week 3
Melton (knee) is active for Sunday's clash against the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
Melton exited last Sunday's game against the Panthers due to a knee injury but was able to log three limited practices this week. He entered the weekend deemed questionable to play but will ultimately be able to suit up as one of the Cardinals' starting cornerbacks for Sunday's NFC West battle between 2-0 teams.
Sep 19, 2025
Questionable for Week 3
Melton (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton suffered a knee injury in Week 2 but has logged three limited practice sessions since. His status will be particularly important, as Will Johnson (groin) looks likely to be sidelined against the 49ers.
Sep 17, 2025
Able to practice Wednesday
Melton (knee) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton was carted to the Cardinals' locker room after suffering a knee injury in Week 2 versus the Panthers, but he looks to have avoided anything severe. Whether he can practice in full Thursday and Friday will likely determine whether he carries an injury designation into Sunday's game at San Francisco.
Sep 14, 2025
Done for day
Melton (knee) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's contest against the Panthers, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton was carted to the locker room with a knee injury in the first half, and his day has now officially come to a premature end. The cornerback compiled two solo tackles before his departure, and in his place, Denzel Burke will likely continue to see an increase in workload in Arizona's secondary.
Sep 14, 2025
Carted to locker room
Melton is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Panthers due to a knee injury, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton spent an extended amount of time in the blue medical tent before being carted to the locker room, where he'll undergo further testing to determine the severity of his knee injury. Assuming Melton doesn't return, Denzel Burke will likely see more work at outside corner opposite Will Johnson for the rest of Sunday's contest.
Jan 15, 2025
Heavy usage in rookie season
Melton played all 17 regular-season games in 2024 and finished with 51 tackles (36 solo), five pass defenses and one forced fumble.
ANALYSIS
Melton was one of seven rookies selected by the Cardinals during the 2024 NFL Draft, and the second-round cornerback out of Rutgers was arguably the most consistent. He finished third among Arizona's corners in combined tackles behind Garrett Williams (58) and Sean Murphy-Bunting (52). In addition to seeing heavy snaps with the Cardinals' first-team defense, Melton showed his value and versatility by serving as a gunner on special teams. Melton and fellow rookie corner Elijah Jones (ankle) will have an opportunity to earn a larger role in the Cardinals' defense in the offseason during OTAs, minicamp and training camp.
Jan 5, 2025
Hurts wrist early in Week 18
Melton (wrist) is questionable to return to Sunday's contest against San Francisco.
ANALYSIS
Melton was hurt midway through the first quarter while assisting on a tackle. He was deemed questionable to return a few minutes later. Starling Thomas could see an increased amount of defensive snaps if Melton is unable to return.
Dec 20, 2024
Past shin issue
Melton (shin) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Panthers, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton appeared to be in jeopardy of missing the Cardinals' Week 16 contest after opening the week of practice with consecutive limited sessions due to a shin injury. The rookie corner from Rutgers then practiced in full Friday, indicating that he's already recovered from the injury. With Melton back at full health, he's expected to serve as one of the Cardinals' top rotational outside cornerbacks Sunday.
Dec 18, 2024
Limited Wednesday
Melton (shin) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The 2024 second-round pick logged two total tackles over 16 defensive snaps in Arizona's Week 15 win over New England before exiting the game with a shin injury. Melton's practice participation Thursday and Friday will likely offer the best insight into whether he can play through the issue in Week 16, when the Cardinals face the Panthers.
Dec 15, 2024
Questionable to return Sunday
Melton (shin) is questionable to return to Sunday's contest against the Patriots, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton is dealing with a shin injury and his status for the rest of the game is now up in the air. In the meantime, Kei-Trel Clark stands to operate in a more significant role in Arizona's secondary while Melton is unavailable.
Nov 24, 2024
Active for Week 12
Melton (illness) is active for Sunday's game against Seattle, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton was in danger of missing Sunday's game due to an illness, but he appears to have recovered enough to be available for Sunday's game. He'll provide depth in the secondary behind starting corners Starling Thomas and Sean Murphy-Bunting.
Nov 24, 2024
Now questionable for Week 12
Melton (illness) has been downgraded to questionable for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton has been under the weather all week, and while he was initially listed with no injury designation Friday, it appears he hasn't been able to shake off his illness. Whether Melton will play Sunday won't be officially known until the Cardinals post their inactive list approximately 90 minutes before the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff.
Nov 22, 2024
Ready for Sunday
Melton (illness) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Seahawks, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton was added to the Cardinals' injury report Thursday after recording a DNP due to an illness. However, the rookie corner from Rutgers practiced in full Friday, suggesting that he's moved past his illness in time for Sunday's divisional matchup. With Melton back at full health, he's expected to serve as one of Arizona's top corners in Week 12.
Nov 21, 2024
Dealing with illness
Melton (illness) did not participate at the Cardinals' practice Thursday, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton popped up on the practice report with an undisclosed illness Thursday, forcing him to sit out. The cornerback will look to return to practice Friday, but if he is ultimately unavailable for Sunday's contest against the Seahawks, Kei'Trel Clark would stand to see an increase in workload at cornerback.
Oct 25, 2024
Cleared ahead of Week 8
Melton (neck) was a full participant in Friday's practice and carries no injury designation into Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton logged consecutive limited practices due to a neck injury he picked up during Monday's win over the Chargers. However, he was able to practice without restrictions Friday, and the rookie second-round pick will be good to go for Sunday's contest. Melton has logged 24 tackles (22 solo), one pass breakup and one forced fumble over the first seven games of the regular season.
Oct 23, 2024
Limited Wednesday
Melton (neck) was considered to be a limited participant at the Cardinals' walkthrough Wednesday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton produced nine total tackles (eight solo), a forced fumble and a pass defensed in Arizona's 17-15 win over the Chargers on Monday, picking up an apparent neck injury in the process. The cornerback will have two more chances to log a full session before the team's Week 8 contest in Miami on Sunday.
Oct 22, 2024
Contributes in win
Melton recorded nine tackles (eight solo), a pass defensed and a forced fumble in Monday's 17-15 win over the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
The backup cornerback entered for the injured Sean Murphy-Bunting (neck) in the first half. Melton ended up playing on 80 percent of the defensive snaps. The 2024 second-round pick will be in line to play more if Murphy-Bunting is forced to miss additional time.
Sep 15, 2024
Good to go vs. Rams
Melton (concussion) is active for Sunday's game against the Rams, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton entered concussion protocols following Arizona's Week 1 loss to Buffalo. He started as a DNP on Wednesday, but he finished the week as a full participant in Friday's session, and he is good to go for Sunday's NFC West showdown. Melton played 27 snaps (10 on defense, 17 on special teams) and registered two solo tackles against the Bills in Week 1.
Sep 13, 2024
Could play Sunday
Melton (concussion) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Rams, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton sustained a concussion during the Cardinals' Week 1 loss, but after a full practice session Friday, he's got a chance to suit up Sunday. The rookie likely still hasn't passed concussion protocol with a neurologist test if he's listed as questionable. Kei'Trel Clark projects to see more work in Arizona's secondary if Melton doesn't clear protocol by the time of Sunday's contest.
Sep 12, 2024
Able to practice Thursday
Melton (concussion) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton entered concussion protocols following Sunday's 34-28 loss to the Bills. He wasn't able to practice Wednesday, but his limited participation Thursday indicates he's working his way through the league's protocols. Melton's practice participation Friday should provide clarity on his status for Week 2 against the Rams.
Sep 11, 2024
Does not practice Wednesday
Melton (concussion) did not participate in Wednesday's practice session, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.
ANALYSIS
Melton sustained a concussion at some point during Sunday's 34-28 loss to the Bills. He finished that contest with two tackles while playing 27 snaps (17 on special teams, 10 on defense). The rookie second-round pick will continue to work through the league's concussion protocols during the week, and his practice participation Thursday and Friday will indicate his chance of playing against the Rams on Sunday.
Sep 9, 2024
In concussion protocol
Head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters Monday that Melton is in concussion protocol, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The rookie corner made his NFL debut Sunday and recorded two total tackles on 27 total snaps (17 on special teams and 10 defensive), but it appears he's sustained a concussion following Gannon's comments Monday. Melton's practice participation will be something to monitor as the week progresses, and if he's forced to miss time, expect Kei'Trel Clark and Darren Hall to see more work in Arizona's secondary.
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