Cardinals announce 14 practice squad signings

The Arizona Cardinals practice squad is coming together. In addition to re-signing 13 players released during final cutdowns, they’ve also signed edge rusher Julian Okwara to the practice squad.

• Wide receiver Andre Baccellia
• Linebacker Markus Bailey
• Linebacker Krys Barnes
• Offensive lineman Jackson Barton
• Running back Michael Carter
• Wide receiver Dan Chisena
• Cornerback Jaden Davis
• Offensive lineman Marquis Hayes Jr.
• Offensive lineman Keith Ismael
• Wide receiver Tejhaun Palmer
• Quarterback Desmond Ridder
• Defensive lineman Ben Stille
• Cornerback Divaad Wilson
• Tight end Bernhard Seikovits (exemption)

Okwara, 26, comes with 38 games of experience with the Detroit Lions after getting drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He has 54 tackles and 9.0 sacks in his short career. He signed a futures contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in February but did not make their roster after the preseason. He provides additional pass rushing depth they can call up for a couple of weeks, then decide to sign to the active roster later on.

Other notable signings on the practice squad include Michael Carter and Desmond Ridder. Carter offers a well-rounded skill set and could be a candidate to be signed to the active roster if the Cardinals suffer injuries at the running back position. Ridder serves as extra quarterback depth after losing the backup job to Clayton Tune, although he would have been a healthy scratch had he stayed on the 53-man roster.

Bernhard Seikovits, who signed with the Cardinals through the NFL’s International Pathway Player Program, will be given a roster exemption and not count towards the 16-player limit.

The Cardinals have three more open spots on the practice squad, with head coach Jonathan Gannon hinting at more moves on the horizon. Every week, two players on the practice squad can be elevated to the active roster the day before the game and revert back after without having to sign or be released from a contract. Players on the practice squad are available to be poached by the other 31 teams but must spend a minimum of three weeks on their active roster.

It’s also worth noting that there is a constant churn of the practice squad, as the needs of the team and the health of the roster change.