Arizona Cardinals roster cuts: Crunch time for decision-makers

While the Arizona Cardinals had a good idea what the 53-man roster and practice squad would like entering Friday’s preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, head coach Mike LaFleur acknowledged things can happen in the final game that can alter the thinking.

Following the game, LaFleur said, “Before we got here, it’s, ‘Hey, if things were to end today, what would our 53 look like? What would our practice squad (be)?’ And then, ‘OK, let’s go play one more game and see if we can’t have another conversation because someone stood out.’

“So, we’ll have that on the plane going back because we got a long trip and then first thing in the morning, obviously we know what the deal is, starting around midafternoon tomorrow (Saturday).”

The deadline is 3 pm Arizona time Sunday to slash the roster to 53, but that’s hardly final. Rosters are always a work in progress. Those placed on waivers can be claimed by 10 am Arizona time Sunday and then practice-squad moves are made.

Following is where many conversations are likely taking place:

Jacoby Brissett and Garder Minshew II are secure, but might rookie Carson Beck open the season on injured reserve? An injury to his ribs has sidelined him since the Hall of Fame game 23 days ago and the reality is that he wouldn’t do much in practice even if healthy with regular-season game preparation next. While Beck can’t practice while on IR, he can throw on the side. An IR start would save a roster spot for another player and Beck could be designated for return when the Cardinals choose.

Whither James Conner? He hasn’t participated in 11-on-11 work during the summer. A prudent move could be to sign him to the practice squad. As a vested veteran, Conner does not go through waivers, so he can be re-signed to the practice squad immediately. Of his $2.355 base salary, $2.1 million is guaranteed, so he begins receiving that anyway.

That move would also save a roster spot at running back or elsewhere and once ready to play, he can be elevated for game days three times. The issue with placing him on IR, as some have suggested, would keep him from practicing at all for at least the first four games of the season.

Beyond Jeremiyah Love, Tyler Allgeier and Bam Knight, Evan Hull is a candidate for a roster spot or the practice squad after Corey Kiner was traded on Saturday to the Patriots. Will Love be ready for Week 1?

Hull was claimed on waivers from the Texans on Aug. 3 and rushed for 107 yards Friday night with two touchdowns and a two-point conversion. Asked about Hull having little time in the offense, LaFleur said, “I think (running backs coach) Matt Merritt does a great job with those guys. I think that all of our backs have performed really well, whether it be in practice or these games. He is a tough dude.

“(Tre) Stewart going in there and doing what he did. I mean all those guys that have carried the ball have done some really good stuff and credit to (general manager) Monti (Ossenfort) and those guys for just bringing in guys that make you have hard conversations in terms of who is going to be here and who is not.”

Will the Cardinals keep five or six? It appears Jalen Brooks, Simi Fehoko and Reggie Virgil are competing for one or two spots. Virgil would likely be claimed, if waived, and the fifth-round pick has promise. Last year, Fehoko started the season on the practice squad, but was signed to the roster two weeks later only to land on injured reserve Nov. 12 for the remainder of the season. Fehoko has scored touchdowns in six of seven preseason games with a total of seven and two Friday night. He told reporters after Friday’s game, “I’ve been there before. I’m not new to this. Things shake out how they shake out. All we can do is react.”

With Tip Reiman expected to begin the season on reserve/PUP and miss at least the first four games of the season, Teagan Quitoriano appears to have the edge as the blocking tight end. Rivaldo Fairweather shows promise, but has a propensity for penalties. He still might land a spot on the practice squad.

The summer’s revelation has been rookie Jayden Williams, a seventh-round pick this year from Mississippi who seemingly has earned the confidence of coaches to be the swing tackle. He has played both sides during training camp and games.

“I think he’s just gotten better and better,” LaFleur said after Friday’s game. I like that the game’s not too big for him. Whether it’s practice or; he’s gotten a lot of snaps in these three preseason games. He just continues to improve. I’m just really impressed by his ability to look like he’s been there before. And obviously he’s played big-time football, being in the SEC. Being in Lane’s (Kiffin) program, these guys are going to be ready for the for the next level. I’ve been really impressed with him.”

The 217th overall selection in the draft, Williams told reporters, “I feel like I’ve always been a guy who has been underthought of. (But I) just come in, go to work, and whatever they tell me tomorrow, I just go with that.”

Perhaps the toughest decision will be the status of edge BJ Ojulari. Eku Leota has been a summer standout as Ojulari found his legs after having about one week of camp work over the previous two years. That’s surely why he was given the playing time he did in the preseason games. While most couch the competition between Ojulari and Leota, my question for the coaches to answer is whether Ojulari or Baron Browning has more upside.

The numbers will also be intriguing at inside linebacker and defensive back. Where does Owen Pappoe fit as he potentially competes with rookie Karson Sharar if only four are on the 53.

Cornerback is a logjam after Will Johnson, Garrett Williams, Denzel Burke, Max Melton and Sean Murphy-Bunting with Kei’Trel Clark, Star Thomas V and even Elijah Jones in the conversation. Is there room for Murphy-Bunting when Williams is deemed healthy enough to play?

Oh, to be a fly on the wall listening to those that really matter.

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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals roster cuts: Crunch time for decision-makers