Cardinals Trim Roster To Get To 53 For Regular Season

Team moves on from Ridder as Tune wins backup job to Kyler Murray

Aug 27, 2024 at 04:01 PM

Darren Urban

azcardinals.com

Second-year QB Clayton Tune has won the team's backup job after the initial setting of the Cardinals' roster.

The first version of the Cardinals' roster is set, and it remains in Tune.

The Cardinals kept second-year quarterback Clayton Tune on the roster and released veteran Desmond Ridder, the latter acquired in a March trade. That means Tune will be the backup to Kyler Murray, barring a further transaction at the position as the Cardinals got down to 53 players.

The Cardinals will have a third quarterback. Whether it is a player who can eventually challenge Tune or whether it is someone to back up Tune (and resides on the practice squad) is yet to be determined. Waiver claims must be made by Wednesday morning, although they have to be put on the active roster. (There is also a chance Ridder could be signed to the practice squad.)

The Cardinals also put defensive lineman Darius Robinson (calf) on Injured Reserve, meaning he will have to miss at least the first four games of the season. Offensive lineman Christian Jones (ankle) and running back Tony Jones Jr. (shoulder) also landed on IR. Robinson and Christian Jones are designated to return. Tony Jones is out for the season.

The roster will change. There were a few mild surprises, including the release of running back Michael Carter and linebacker Krys Barnes. But a player could return -- either this weekend or even after Week 1 -- as a possibility.

The Cardinals are fourth in the waiver claim order. Any claimed players would force another roster opening to be created. Waiver claims will be known by Wednesday afternoon. There will also be a 17-man practice squad, including international tight end Bernhard Seikovits.

The trade of linebacker Cameron Thomas, which became public Monday night, was made official on Tuesday as well.