The Cardinals officially announced the signings of both their seventh-round picks Thursday, guard Trevor Canfield (left) and running back LaRod Stephens-Howling.

The Cardinals ended up with two seventh-round picks in April's draft, so perhaps it was fitting both were signed to their first contracts on the same day.

Running back LaRod Stephens-Howling and guard Trevor Canfield officially joined the roster Wednesday when each signed three-year contracts. As usual, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Stephens-Howling, out of Pittsburgh, is expected to battle for a spot as a kickoff return man as well has having an outside shot to make it as a back. His early progress was slowed when he missed most of minicamp and some of the organized team activities with a lingering hamstring injury. Stephens-Howling has since returned to work. At this point, the rookie's biggest highlight as a pro was when he broke down in tears on draft day)) talking about how important it was to him to have been selected after running into numerous road blocks in his football life.

Canfield is vying to become a backup on an offensive line that looks set with its starters, at least going into training camp. But Canfield may have a good shot to make the squad, given that only holdover Elton Brown is experienced as a reserve guard.

The Cardinals still have five unsigned draft picks – running back Beanie Wells, linebacker Cody Brown, safety Rashad Johnson, cornerback Greg Toler and linebacker Will Davis. With 85 players on the current roster, each pick signed from this point out means the Cards will have to release someone to fit the newly signed rookie (Unsigned rookies do not count against the 80-man roster limit).

Contact Darren Urban at askdarren@cardinals.nfl.net. Posted 6/11/09.