Training camp was always going to be different in 2020 thanks to the coronavirus, and that includes camp rosters.
The Cardinals released 10 players Sunday to trim their roster to 80, a number mandated within the adjusted collective bargaining agreement. The 10 cut were mostly undrafted rookies brought in following April's draft, but not all:
- OLB Vontarrious Dora
- QB Drew Anderson
- DE T.J. Carter
- OL Jackson Dennis
- OL Drew Dickinson
- TE Parker Houston
- WR Shane Leatherbury
- WR Devin Phelps
- CB Jarren Williams
- CB Bejour Wilson
Dora has been with the Cardinals back and forth the past couple of seasons. Anderson spent training camp with the Cardinals as a rookie and was brought back late last season, but with the signing of CFL quarterback Chris Streveler, his opportunity was likely limited. The Cardinals now have three quarterbacks on the roster, with Streveler, Kyler Murray and Brett Hundley. Last season, the Cardinals had just two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster most of the season.
The rest of the cut list are part of this year's undrafted rookie class.
Teams had the choice to trim the roster now or wait until Aug. 16. The idea behind the 80-man roster is the ability to separate the team into four groups of 20 for various workouts, cutting down on the possibility of spreading the coronavirus. Since teams also must create locker rooms with six feet of distance, it also eases the ability to achieve that requirement. With more than 80 players, teams would be required to have split-squad practices. With 80, all can practice together.
Given the limitations of training camp practices, the elimination of the preseason games and the loss of all the entire offseason work, it will be much more difficult for any undrafted rookie -- or player on the fringe -- to make a push for a roster spot anyway.
Images of the Cardinals' six draft picks inking their rookie deals on Saturday
RB Eno Benjamin smiles after signing his rookie contract.
LB Isaiah Simmons smiles after inking his rookie contract.
T Josh Jones during his contract signing.
LB Isaiah Simmons speaks with Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill over Zoom prior to his contract signing.
T Josh Jones signs his rookie contract.
DT Leki Fotu speaks with Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill over Zoom before signing his contract.
LB Isaiah Simmons signs his contract.
DT Rashard Lawrence signing his rookie deal.
LB Evan Weaver checks out his personalized pen prior to signing his rookie contract.
DT Leki Fotu smiles after signing his rookie contract.
DT Rashard Lawrence looks over his rookie contract.
DT Rashard Lawrence during his contract signing.
RB Eno Benjamin signing his rookie contract.
LB Evan Weaver smiles after signing his contract.
