Cardinals trim initial roster to 53

The Arizona Cardinals announced the following roster moves to get down to their initial 53-man roster:

Released:

• LS Aaron Brewer
• RB Michael Carter
• T Jake Curhan
• RB DeeJay Dallas
• TE Josiah Deguara
• WR Simi Fehoko
• CB Darren Hall
• G Nick Leverett
• G Royce Newman
• LB Mykal Walker

Waived:

• DT Kyon Barrs
• LB Elliott Brown
• OL Jeremiah Byers
• DE Anthony Goodlow
• WR Bryson Green
• C Sincere Haynesworth
• CB Jaylon Jones
• WR Tejhaun Palmer
• S Jammie Robinson
• DT Elijah Simmons

Placed on IR (designated to return):

• G Hayden Conner
• T Christian Jones

Placed on IR:

• LB J.J. Russell

Placed on reserve/PUP:

• DT Walter Nolen (story)
• LB BJ Ojulari
• DT Bilal Nichols

First-round defensive tackle Nolen will miss at least the first four weeks of his rookie year. The Ole Miss product is dealing with a calf injury that forced him to miss most of training camp. Another D-lineman, Barrs will hit waivers but stands a good chance at landing on the practice squad if he clears.

The Cards made some surprise decisions in the running backs rooms, disposing of veterans like Carter and Dallas in favor of Zonovan Knight, who hasn’t appeared in a game since 2023. One of the veterans could end up back on the practice squad, as could wide receiver/special teamer Fehoko.

Russell suffered a concussion in training and will now miss the entire 2025 season on injured reserve. Jones and Conner, though, will be eligible to return after, at least, a four-week absence. The two linemen are dealing with knee injuries but may be able to bolster the line later in the year.

Brewer getting cut means the team does not have a long snapper on the roster. Likely, the team has a handshake deal with Brewer that will allow them to place some players on injured lists, opening a spot for him and others to return.