Cardinals tight end Troy Niklas, who was put on injured reserve Tuesday, is upended after a catch in Buffalo last weekend.

Bruce Arians had already described Kam Canaday's long-snapping as "erratic" even before the rookie's high snap in Buffalo led to a Bills touchdown and a 10-point swing.

So Tuesday's decision to release Canaday came as little surprise for a team trying to climb out of a 1-2 start. The Cardinals have yet to sign a replacement.

Tight end Troy Niklas was also placed on injured reserve with a wrist injury, likely ending his season. Ifeanyi Momah was promoted from the practice squad to take Niklas' spot on the roster.

The Cardinals also still have to sign a punter to replace the injured Drew Butler. Butler, hurting with an ankle sprain and Achilles problem, remains on the active roster and is expected to hold for kicker Chandler Catanzaro during games.

The Cardinals also released rookie safety Marqui Christian, the team's fifth-round draft pick.

Niklas has been plagued by injuries ever since he was a second-round draft pick in 2014. He did play in all 16 games in 2015, although he missed a good part of training camp with a bad hamstring. He played in only seven games as a rookie with hand and ankle injuries.

In a practice squad move, the Cardinals cut 2015 draft pick Shaq Riddick and replaced him with another outside linebacker, Cam Johnson. Johnson has been with the 49ers, Colts and Browns.