The Chase Bisontis injury has become a major setback for the Arizona Cardinals just weeks before the start of the 2026 NFL regular season.
The Cardinals’ second-round rookie guard suffered a left knee injury during Thursday night’s preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Bisontis was carted off the field after a Raiders defender fell onto his leg. Head coach Mike LaFleur initially said the injury was “not good.”
The diagnosis is now known: Bisontis suffered a torn MCL and will undergo surgery. The good news is that his ACL and other major ligaments are intact. However, the injury is expected to sideline the rookie for several months and has put his 2026 season in serious jeopardy.
Chase Bisontis Injury Update: Surgery Is Coming
The latest development is that Bisontis will need surgery to repair his torn MCL.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported that the MCL is the ligament that will be repaired, while the ACL remains intact. That is an important piece of positive news after the injury initially appeared potentially worse.
However, the Cardinals will still have to prepare for an extended absence.
Current reports indicate Bisontis is expected to miss a few months, meaning Arizona cannot count on him being available for the opening stretch of the regular season.
This story will be updated again when the Cardinals announce the surgery result or provide a clearer recovery timeline.
What Happened to Chase Bisontis?
Bisontis suffered the injury in the third quarter of Arizona’s preseason matchup with the Raiders.
A Raiders defensive lineman fell onto Bisontis’ left knee, immediately forcing the rookie guard out of the game. He was helped off the field before eventually being carted to the locker room.
The injury was particularly concerning because Bisontis had been competing for an important role on Arizona’s offensive line.
Before the injury, he was battling Isaiah Adams for the starting right guard position.
Why the Injury Matters So Much
Arizona selected Bisontis with the 34th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, making him one of the most important young pieces on the team’s offensive line.
The rookie had been receiving plenty of attention during training camp because the Cardinals were evaluating him alongside Isaiah Adams for the starting right guard position. The team’s official website had previously highlighted the competition between Bisontis and Adams.
Now that competition has changed.
Instead of fighting for the starting job, Bisontis will focus on rehabilitation while Arizona looks for another solution at guard.
For more coverage, readers can also check our NFL Training Camp 2026 coverage for the latest camp battles, injuries and roster developments.
Isaiah Adams Gets a Bigger Opportunity
The biggest immediate opportunity could belong to Isaiah Adams.
Adams was already involved in the right guard competition before Bisontis suffered his injury. With the rookie now facing an extended absence, Adams has a clearer path to the starting role.
Arizona could also look at other interior offensive linemen for additional depth.
That will be an important storyline to watch as the Cardinals move toward the regular season.
Could Chase Bisontis Return in 2026?
At this point, there is no official return date for Bisontis.
The latest reports say he will miss several months, while some reports have described his 2026 season as potentially over.
Because his ACL is intact, the injury is not as severe as the initial scene may have suggested. Still, an MCL tear requiring surgery is a significant injury, and the Cardinals will have little reason to rush their second-round pick back before he is fully ready.
The safest approach for Arizona is to allow Bisontis to complete his rehabilitation properly.
Chase Bisontis Injury: What Happens Next?
The next major milestone is his surgery.
After the procedure, the Cardinals should have a better idea of his recovery timeline. That information will determine whether there is any realistic chance of Bisontis returning late in the 2026 season or whether Arizona will simply plan for his return in 2027.
Until the team provides that timeline, fans should be careful about assuming an exact comeback date.
Chase Bisontis Injury FAQs
What injury did Chase Bisontis suffer?
Chase Bisontis suffered a torn MCL in his left knee during Arizona’s preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Does Chase Bisontis need surgery?
Yes. Reports indicate that Bisontis will undergo surgery to repair the torn MCL.
Is Chase Bisontis’ ACL injured?
No. The latest reports indicate that his ACL remains intact and the MCL is the ligament being repaired.
How long will Chase Bisontis be out?
Current reports indicate that Bisontis will miss several months. There is not yet a definitive official return date.
Could Chase Bisontis play again in 2026?
It remains uncertain. Reports indicate a lengthy absence and his season is considered in serious jeopardy, but the final recovery timeline should become clearer after surgery and rehabilitation begin.
Who could replace Chase Bisontis?
Isaiah Adams is one of the players positioned to benefit from Bisontis’ absence after competing with him for the starting right guard position.
