Walter Nolen III will remain on PUP, but Will Hernandez will be able to return to practice.
That – and the decision to keep running back Bam Knight and release both Michael Carter and DeeJay Dallas – were the highlights of the Cardinals’ moves on Tuesday to get to their initial 53-man roster.
Nolen’s move from Active PUP to Reserve PUP means he cannot play or practice until after the Cardinals’ Week 4 game against the Seahawks. Linebacker BJ Ojulari and defensive lineman Bilal Nichols are also now on Reserve PUP.
Nolen won’t necessarily return in Week 5. He is just eligible to return to practice at that point; once he does return to practice the Cardinals will have a 21-day window in which to activate him to the roster. The same goes for any of the PUP players along with IR-to Return players.
Another surprise release was wide receiver/special teamer Simi Fehoko, who had a good preseason. Fehoko said on social media he will return to the Cardinals’ practice squad if another team doesn’t offer him a roster spot. Xavier Weaver is the team’s fifth wide receiver.
The Cardinals also cut long snapper Aaron Brewer, but that is likely roster juggling to allow another player to be put on IR-to-Return after the 53-man rosters are set. Already the Cardinals put offensive linemen Hayden Conner (knee) and Christian Jones (knee) on their two roster-cutdown IR-to-Return spots. (Teams can put up to eight players as IR to return during the season.)
Linebacker J.J Russell, who suffered a concussion in training camp, was also placed on IR and his season is over.
The idea this is only the first roster is crucial; changes for most teams are almost guaranteed before they play Week 1.
Knight’s inclusion was a surprise, although he provides a speed element in the backfield. The fourth running back spot seemed to be between Carter and Dallas; one or both could return to the practice squad.
A majority of the players cut are expected to make up the Cardinals’ practice squad. Most players cut will go on waivers, with the claims awarded Wednesday afternoon. The practice squad will be put together Wednesday afternoon.
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