With the first cutdown day of the preseason coming, the Cardinals are getting players back.

Teams have to get down to 85 players Tuesday. The Cards were technically at 85 with five players on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, but four of them are returning -- running back James Conner, tight end Darrell Daniels, defensive lineman Leki Fotu and safety Charles Washington.

"It was tough for those guys to sit out," coach Kliff Kingsbury said.

To make room on the roster, the Cards released wide receivers JoJo Ward and Aleva Hifo, defensive lineman Darius Kilgo and running back Ito Smith.

Wide receiver Andy Isabella remains on the Covid list. When he returns, the team will have to cut another player. Kingsbury confirmed Isabella would be on the list for 10 days, and will miss his second straight preseason game against the Chiefs.

The NFL changed it's rules for cuts this season. Teams has to trim to 85 Tuesday and must get down to 80 on Aug. 24. With the final preseason game much earlier this season – the Cardinals play in New Orleans on Aug. 28 – the final cuts this season come on Aug. 31, again a Tuesday. It will allow teams to prep their roster, go through waiver claims and build the 16-man practice squad well in advance of the opening game.

The Cardinals first regular-season game is Sept. 12 in Tennessee.