The Arizona Cardinals have played three preseason games and are less than a week from having to cut down their roster to 53 players. They have begun the process, having placed two on injured reserve and releasing three others.
But based on how things have looked through three preseason games, here is my latest projection for the 53-man roster initially.
Because the Cardinals have the No. 1 priority on waiver claims, they will likely add a few more players after the roster is cut down initially, so these projections are only about the initial 53 cuts.
Quarterback
Kyler Murray, Brett Hundley
Nothing has changed to make me believe the Cardinals will keep three quarterbacks on the roster. Drew Anderson and Chad Kanoff battle for a practice squad spot if they don’t get claimed, but the Cardinals ultimately could sign someone else to the practice squad as well.
Running back
David Johnson, Chase Edmonds, T.J. Logan, D.J. Foster
The fact that neither Wes Hills nor Dontae Strickland played on Saturday suggests they probably will not make the roster. I don’t believe the Cardinals would only go with three running backs.
Wide receiver
Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk, Michael Crabtree, KeeSean Johnson, Trent Sherfield, Damiere Byrd, Andy Isabella
Even with Hakeem Butler on injured reserve, the Cardinals still go with seven receivers. Byrd makes the team. Pharoh Cooper is out because the Cardinals have several others who can handle return duties.
Tight end
Charles Clay, Maxx Williams, Darrell Daniels
Why Daniels over Ricky Seals-Jones? Daniels has consistently been playing large numbers of snaps on special teams. I honestly almost go with four tight ends because the Cardinals have had three-TE sets each of the last two weeks. It would not surprise me to see them go with four. But I think Daniels has the edge right now.
Offensive line
D.J. Humphries, Justin Pugh, A.Q. Shipley, J.R. Sweezy, Marcus Gilbert, Mason Cole, Lamont Gaillard, Joshua Miles, Korey Cunningham
This is a position where someone not currently on the roster gets added. Watch out for Jeremy Vujnovich as well. As of today, if they go with one main tackle, I would have Miles over Cunningham. Max Garcia starts the season on PUP.
Defensive line
Rodney Gunter, Corey Peters, Zach Allen, Terrell McClain, Michael Dogbe, Bruce Hector
This isn’t much experience but the Cardinals didn’t trade for Hector to cut him. This is another position where someone from outside the organization is brought in.
Outside linebacker
Chandler Jones, Terrell Suggs, Brooks Reed, Pete Robertson
WIth Andre Branch getting released, the door is wide open for Robertson to make the team. Reed played well against the Vikings.
Inside linebacker
Jordan Hicks, Haason Reddick, Joe Walker, Dennis Gardeck, Zeke Turner
Walker getting into the starting lineup was revealing for me. Turner is the last guy on at the position because of special teams.
Cornerback
Robert Alford, Byron Murphy, Tramaine Brock, Chris Jones, Nate Brooks
Alford will have to make the initial 53 so he can return from injured reserve, so there will be movement after the fact. Patrick Peterson will start on the suspended list.
Safety
D.J. Swearinger, Budda Baker, Deionte Thompson, Jalen Thompson, Jonathan Owens
Josh Shaw landing on injured reserve changes things. Owens has been playing special teams and in the slot so he adds some positional flexibility as well.
Specialists
Andy Lee, Zane Gonzalez, Aaron Brewer
Nothing changes here and with how Gonzalez has kicked, there are no concerns at any of these three positions.
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