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The Cardinals' First 53, And Knowing The List Will Change

There is a roster but it won't remain the same for long

Aug 27, 2024 at 04:01 PM

azcardinals.com

So, in the end, the Cardinals only have four running backs, moving on from Michael Carter. They have seven receivers, if you included the suspended Zay Jones. All the young cornerbacks are around. And Darren Hall was the dude who made it too hard to let him go.

The initial roster for 2024 is out there. It's Tuesday, and by Wednesday afternoon, it will likely change. The Cardinals are fourth in the waiver claim order (and will remain there through the first four weeks of the regular season). Finding at least one more person to add wouldn't be a surprise.

But as we stand as of this posting, here are some of my quick takeaways knowing things will be different:

-- Clayton Tune as the backup QB. It seemed clear he outplayed Desmond Ridder. There are ways to add a different quarterback if the Cardinals want, although how is the player getting practice reps over Kyler in order to learn the offense?

-- I will be curious if the Cardinals find a way to bring Carter back. Or linebacker Krys Barnes. There are avenues to do so if they don't end up elsewhere in the next 24 to 48 hours. Of course, if that happens (and it isn't the practice squad) further moves would have to be made.

-- If there have been any decisions made about the Melton/Thomas/Clark/Elijah Jones pecking order, we won't really know, since they are all still around. The work is going to be put in to develop young cornerbacks.

-- We don't talk enough about Trystan Colon as a backup center, but he's experienced and is a good person to have in case anything happens to Hjalte Froholdt. Kelvin Beachum is solid but the other backup offensive linemen will need to step up their play if they get into games.

-- Four tight ends. That makes sense for a team that's going to want to use two or three every play.

-- Still waiting to see if they can claim an edge, but frankly, if there is one worth it, it's hard to see him getting past Carolina/Washington/New England in the claim order.

-- There are 11 total defensive backs right now. Does that change?

-- We are that much closer to seeing Marvin Harrison Jr.'s first NFL target. It can't come soon enough.