The Arizona Cardinals played their final preseason game on Sunday, losing 38-12 to the Denver Broncos. They have until Tuesday afternoon to cut the roster down to 53 players. Some players suffered some injuries on Sunday that will impact those roster decisions.
Why?
Players with injuries are protected. You can’t trade or cut an injured player, unless he is waived with an injury designation, which causes him to land on injured reserve if not claimed.
For a player who was going to get cut, it means continuing to get paid.
Some of the injuries could impact the 53-man roster.
QB Desmond Ridder (concussion)
This is the most impactful situation because he is in concussion protocol. Ridder might get cut but can’t be while in the protocol. Clayton Tune appears to have beat out Ridder for the backup QB job, but if Ridder has not cleared concussion protocol by Tuesday, he will have to remain on the roster or be placed on injured reserve.
OL Christian Jones (leg)
Jones got hurt on the same play when Ridder got hit. Jones had to be carted to the locker room. He wasn’t expected to make the roster, but had they preferred to have him on the practice squad, he needs to be healthy. He might land on injured reserve and miss the year.
CB Elijah Jones (ankle)
Jones seemed like a lock for the roster because he was a third-round pick. But if they keep him on the roster, they will need to keep six cornerbacks.
RB Tony Jones Jr. (shoulder)
Jones probably wasn’t making the roster but did spend much of last season on the practice squad. If he isn’t cleared by Tuesday, he won’t be able to be on the practice squad.
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