Cardinals Finalize Roster Cuts, Place Several Players on Injured Reserve & PUP list
TEMPE, AZ – August 29, 2023 – The Arizona Cardinals dramatically reshaped their roster Tuesday, releasing 18 players and placing six others on injured reserve or the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as they reached the NFL-mandated 53-man limit.The moves, finalized ahead of the 1 p.m. MST deadline, included surprising cuts and strategic additions as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Among the most notable decisions, undrafted running back Emari Demercado earned a spot on the 53-man roster after a standout 67-yard run in the preseason finale, surpassing expectations and securing his place over more established players.
The Cardinals also activated veteran guard Will Hernandez from the PUP list, bolstering depth on the offensive line. However, the team concurrently placed first-round draft pick Walter Nolen III (defensive tackle), pass rusher BJ Ojulari, and defensive tackle Bilal Nichols on the PUP list.Players on the PUP list will miss at least the first four games of the regular season. Offensive linemen Hayden Conner and Christian Jones,along with linebacker JJ Russell,were placed on injured reserve,sidelining them for a meaningful portion of the season.
Cornerback Darren Hall and wide receiver Simi Fehoko were among the early cuts reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Fehoko himself via TikTok.Fehoko’s release was considered somewhat surprising given his performance during the preseason.
The cuts follow an initial round of 12 roster reductions on Monday, bringing the total number of players released to 30 over the past two days.
Here’s a complete list of Tuesday’s cuts:
Kyon Barrs (Defensive Lineman)
Aaron Brewer (long Snapper)
Elliott Brown (Linebacker)
jeremiah Byers (Offensive Lineman)
Michael Carter (Running Back)
Jake Curhan (Offensive Lineman)
DeeJay Dallas (Running Back)
Josiah Deguara (Tight End)
Simi Fehoko (Wide Receiver)
anthony Goodlow (Defensive Lineman)
Bryson Green (Wide Receiver)
Darren Hall (Cornerback)
Sincere Haynesworth (Offensive Lineman)
Jaylon Jones (Cornerback)
Nick Leverett (Offensive Lineman)
Royce Newman (Offensive Lineman)
Tejhaun Palmer (Wide Receiver)
Jammie Robinson (Safety)
Elijah Simmons (Defensive Lineman)
Mykal Walker (Linebacker)
Monday’s cuts included:
Andre Baccellia (Wide Receiver)
Ekow Boye-Doe (cornerback)
oscar Cardenas (Tight End)
McClendon Curtis (Offensive Lineman)
Steven Gilmore (Cornerback)
Patrick Jenkins (Defensive Lineman)
Vi Jones (Linebacker)
Roy Mbaeteka (Offensive Lineman)
Nate McCollum (Wide receiver)
Clayton tune (Quarterback)
Dohnovan West (Offensive Lineman)
Benton Whitley (Linebacker)
The Cardinals’ roster decisions reflect a blend of evaluating preseason performance, addressing positional needs, and preparing for the challenges of the 2023 NFL season.
