Amid the NFL’s biggest roster turnover period, the Arizona Cardinals filled out the majority of their practice squad. With 14 players signing, just three spots remain before the full, potential 17-man group is finalized.
Teams can hold 16 players on the practice squad, with a 17th spot available for players in the International Player Program. The Cardinals currently have a mix of proven veterans and young players with untapped potential.
Arizona had to get its roster down to just 53 players, leaving many players who spent the offseason in the building to be let go. The remaining group of 14 will stick around for the time being, with the potential to be called up to the 53-man roster at some point.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon let the media know his roster is still a work in progress. With a few open spots on the practice squad left, more moves are sure to come sooner than later.
“The roster, just like all 32 teams, is very fluid, especially in the first week or two,” Gannon said. “It’s probably not going to look the same as it does right now in a couple days, or even going into Week 1.”
The 10 Veteran Additions
Only one of the current 14 members of the practice squad wasn’t signed by Wednesday. Quarterback Kedon Slovis was added to the group on Thursday, and was in attendance at practice in Arizona.
Slovis went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, and began the offseason with the Houston Texans. The 24-year-old completed 27-of-43 passes for 233 yards with a touchdown and an interception in three games for the Texans this preseason.
One of the biggest surprises not to make the 53-man roster was wide receiver Simi Fehoko. The 25-year-old caught two touchdowns during the preseason this year, and made an impact on special teams.
The wide receiver position saw two other additions to the practice squad. 28-year-old Andre Baccellia was one, appearing in eight games for the Cardinals in 2024. He finished the year with 45 receiving yards.
Running back Michael Carter was another unanticipated player left off the 53-man roster. At 26 years old, Carter has appeared in 48 games over the course of his four-year career, totaling 1,359 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He added 77 yards this preseason.
At tight end, Josiah Deguara is the only addition to the practice squad. The 28-year-old has 450 career receiving yards and two touchdowns across five seasons. He caught four passes for 48 yards in the preseason.
Two fifth-year offensive linemen round out the offensive veterans on the practice squad. Jake Curhan and Nick Leverett clock in at 27 and 28 years old, respectively, and will provide depth up front.
Cornerback Darren Hall is the only defensive player on the unit with any NFL experience. The 25-year-old was a fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, appearing in 35 games across three seasons.
The First-Year Signees
Tejhaun Palmer was the third wide receiver brought back, tallying 18 yards this preseason. The 2024 sixth-round pick has yet to see regular-season action in the NFL.
On the offensive line, Jeremiah Byers and Sincere Haynesworth are hoping to see their first playing time. They’ll be half of the largest position group on the practice squad.
Finishing off the unit are three members of the front seven. Elliott Brown is the lone linebacker on the practice squad. Defensive linemen Elijah Simmons and Anthony Goodlow take up spots 13 and 14.
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