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Robert Nkemdiche Released by Cardinals After Arriving to Camp out of Shape

Megan Armstrong

The Arizona Cardinals announced Saturday that they released defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche.

The move comes after Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury described how Nkemdiche arrived to training camp "not in shape" to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss

"And that's kind of where we'll leave it," Kingsbury continued. "I mean, he's on [the physically unable to perform list], and he's working through that. When he is cleared, we'll work with him."

Clearly, Arizona wasn't willing to see how Nkemdiche's fitness played out, as NFL Network's Ian Rapoport labeled the decision as "frustration from the team coming to a head."

Arizona drafted Nkemdiche 29th overall in 2016 out of Ole Miss. 

Since, injuries have prevented the 24-year-old from playing a full 16-game schedule. Most recently, Nkemdiche suffered a torn ACL in Week 14 last season. Presumably, recovering from the injury has played a part in his inability to arrive to camp in football shape. 

Before the 2018 season, according to ESPN's Jose Romero, "Nkemdiche cited injuries and personal growth ... as reasons why he hasn't been good enough."

Nkemdiche was arrested on an outstanding traffic warrant last month after police cited him in a separate traffic incident for speeding and driving with a suspended license. Police said they then found a white powdery substance within Nkemdiche's belongings that "appeared consistent with the appearance of cocaine."

Additionally, the Cardinals did not exercise his fifth-year option in May.

Taking all of that into account, the move isn't surprising. 

For other teams that have interest in taking a chance on the 2016 first-rounder, he is coming off his most productive season. Nkemdiche played in 10 games and registered 32 tackles (22 solo) as well as 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble—all career highs.

Just before he tore his ACL, Nkemdiche had his best game with 2.5 sacks and seven tackles against the Los Angeles Chargers.

   

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