Updated Cardinals 53-man roster projections after 2 preseason games
The Arizona Cardinals have played two preseason games and have only one game left to get their roster down to the final 53 players. Some players have helped themselves in the games and others have not. Players on the COVID list and with injuries complicate things some.
But based on what we have seen in two games, here is what I think the final 53-man roster will look like after next weekend.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
Latest show:
Previous shows:
and
Quarterback
Kyler Murray, Colt McCoy
Chris Streveler will likely be back on the practice squad. It just is too hard to keep three quarterbacks on the roster this year. He has looked better, though.
Running back
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Chase Edmonds, James Conner, Eno Benjamin, Jonathan Ward
I don't see anything changing here, although it appears that Benjamin is No. 3 instead of No. 4 on the depth chart. Minor stuff.
Wide receiver
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green, Christian Kirk, Rondale Moore, KeeSean Johnson, Andy Isabella
While fans feel like Isabella's days are short, the general chatter from people with connections with the team is that he makes the team. Perhaps he will be traded, but it will be hard to keep more than that. However, Antoine Wesley and Greg Dortch are some wild cards to pay attention to.
Tight end
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Maxx Williams, Darrell Daniels, Demetrius Harris
Williams and Daniels feel like locks. Harris appeared to overtake Ross Travis on the depth chart but it was Travis than made two big catches, including the Cardinals' only touchdown against the Chiefs.
Offensive line
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
D.J. Humphries, Justin Pugh, Rodney Hudson, Brian Winters, Kelvin Beachum, Max Garcia, Justin Murray, Josh Jones, Josh Miles
There isn't anything we have seen that suggests there will be any changes to the nine players in the O-line room.
Defensive linemen
Patrick Breen-The Republic
J.J. Watt, Rashard Lawrence, Jordan Phillips, Zach Allen, Leki Fotu, Corey Peters
What has been frustrating is the fact that only Leki Fotu has played of the guys who will make the team. Michael Dogbe is on the bubble and might end up on the practice squad again.
Outside linebacker
Chandler Jones, Markus Golden, Devon Kennard, Victor Dimukeje (Dennis Gardeck remains on PUP)
Dimukeje's playing time on defense and special teams has been enough to bump Kylie Fitts.
Inside linebacker
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Zaven Collins, Isaiah Simmons, Jordan Hicks, Tanner Vallejo, Zeke Turner
Evan Weaver might get cut this week. Terrance Smith is a guy to watch as an additional player in the room. These five are locks.
Cornerback
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Byron Murphy, Robert Alford, Malcolm Butler, Marco Wilson, Darqueze Dennard
The back end is tough. Do they want a veteran like Dennard? Do they want Jace Whittaker for his special teams play? What about Tay Gowan? As of right now, I think they go with the veteran. Wilson plays on special teams. Whittaker can be a practice squad elevation like last year. Gowan hasn't done a ton on special teams and probably will land on the practice squad.
Safety
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, Chris Banjo, Charles Washington, Shawn Williams, James Wiggins
This room is tough. Washington is a starting punt gunner. If Wiggins is as good, he could make it possible for Deionte Thompson to make the team.
Specialists
Patrick Breen-The Republic
Matt Prater, Andy Lee, Aaron Brewer
This trio is a lock.
1
1
