Cardinals Add Quan Sturdivant, Ronald Talley To Practice Squad

The Arizona Cardinals have re-signed linebacker Quan Sturdivant and defensive end Ronald Talley to the practice squad, according to the team. Both players were released on Monday as a result of roster changes.

Sturdivant, 22, makes his first practice squad in the NFL. The rookie out of North Carolina was drafted in the sixth round (171^st overall) by the Cardinals in the 2011 NFL Draft and played in all four of the Cardinals' preseason games. He recorded one tackle in each of the first three contests before getting three tackles in the team's preseason finale against the Denver Broncos. He was cut from the roster yesterday as other players were brought in, but he will be along for the ride in Arizona this year with the practice squad.

Talley, meanwhile, will re-join the Cardinals' practice squad for the second straight year. He began his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers after going undrafted in the 2009 NFL Draft and spent the entire 2009 season on the Packers' practice squad. Talley came to Arizona the following year after being waived by the Packers during the final cut of the 2010 preseason. Talley did beat out Kenny Iwebema to make the roster this year, but the signing of running back Chester Taylor caused the Cardinals to cut Talley from the active roster.

Both players will re-join the Cardinals just one day after being released by the team. 

Reagan Maui'a, Ex-Arizona Cardinals FB, Suspended Three Games For Substance Abuse

The Arizona Cardinals won't have to worry about Reagan Maui'a causing mischief this season. The Cardinals fullback was cut a few days ago, and now he won't be playing most of September either. Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic has more.

NFL confirms @caplannfl tweet that ex-Cardinals FB Reagan Maui'a will be suspended three games if/when signs with another team.

NFL spokesman said Maui'a suspension falls under substance abuse policy. suspension is 1st 3 games of 2011, even if unsigned.

The punishment appears to be for the first three weeks he returns to action. So Maui'a won't play the first three three games of 2011 when he's picked up by an NFL team. Expect that if some NFL team decides to pick him up, they'll get him early so they can make sure he can play as early as possible. Either that, or he won't be signed at all. There is risk with taking a player who's violated the NFL substance abuse policy.

Maui'a was cut by the Cardinals after they decided to go with Anthony Sherman as their main fullback option. It looks like they probably had some idea that this punishment was coming.

Chester Taylor's Role Still Uncertain, Whisenhunt Likes 10-Year Vet's Experience

The Arizona Cardinals look like they are done tweaking their 53-man roster in preparation for Week 1 of the 2011-12 NFL season. Of course, you never know what might happen and there's certainly going to be changes as the season moves along due to injury and / or performance. For now, however, coach Ken Whisenhunt seems satisfied with where things are.

Whisenhunt spoke after Monday's practice about the addition of veteran running back Chester Taylor.

"He's a veteran player that's been very productive in the league. I've seen him for a number of years. We'll get him in here and see what his role will be. Whether he's a third down back or a first and second back, those are roles he's done in games and done very well."

Taylor is coming off a down year with the Bears in which he only ran for 267 yards despite playing in all 16 games. Whisenhunt sees his general place on the team as veteran who can work with the younger backs in a role similar to Jason Wright last season.

Whisenhunt remains impressed with Alfonso Smith and will likely use him on special teams. Smith was praised for his work ethic and pass protection.

The two cornerbacks signed, Korey Lindsey and Crezdon Butler, are players the team had scored highly on various player evaluations. Both will come in and provide depth for a position that's probably the weakest group on the team in terms of talent and experience.

Rookie Quan Sturdivant didn't make the cut because, according to Whisenhunt, he simply wasn't in the top eight linebackers. The team hopes to get him back at some point so they can continue to develop him.

For more on the Cardinals roster moves, visit Revenge of the Birds.

NFL Roster Cuts: Cardinals Tweak Final 53-Man Roster; Sign Chester Taylor Cut Three Players

The Arizona Cardinals made it official and released three players to make room for three more on the 53-man roster. Running back Chester Taylor was signed to a one-year contract after being released by the Bears and cornerbacks Korey Lindsey and Crezdon Butler give depth the team needed after cutting ties with Marshay Green and Fred Bennett.

To make room, the team parted company with defensive end Ronald Talley, tight end Stephen Spach and rookie linebacker Quan Sturdivant. Sturdivant is the only rookie from the 2011 NFL Draft class not to make the Cardinals 53-man roster. 

Korey Lindsey is a seventh-round pick in this year's draft selected by the Bengals. He played his college ball at Southern Illinois where he was a first-team All-American in his last two years for his ability to be a "shut down" corner.

Crezdon Butler is a former fifth-round pick (Clemson, 2010) of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Butler saw action in just four games with the Steelers in 2010. In a preseason game this year against Atlanta, Butler recorded nine tackles and returned an interception 95-yards for a touchdown. 

With the acquisitions of Lindsey and Butler, the Cardinals opted to go with six cornerbacks and only four safeties. That would confirm the team is comfortable with Adrian Wilson's (bicep) rehab. Coach Ken Whisenhunt said recently that both Wilson, and cornerback Michael Adams (knee) would be ready for Week 1 barring any setbacks. 

The Cardinals also announced the following practice squad signings:

The Cardinals have also re-signed to the team's practice squad cornerback MARSHAY GREEN, defensive tackle RICKY LUMPKIN, wide receiver ISAIAH WILLIAMS, and tackle D.J. YOUNG. All four spent the preseason with the Cardinals and were released in the final cutdown to 53. In addition, the Cardinals have signed center RYAN BARTHOLOMEW and wide receiver BRANDYN HARVEY to the practice squad.

Cardinals Sign Veteran RB Chester Taylor And Two Cornerbacks

Not long after being cut by the Chicago Bears, the Arizona Cardinals swooped up veteran running back Chester Taylor according to NFL.com’s Jason La Canfora.

The Cards were in need of some depth in the backfield after rookie Ryan Williams went down with a torn patella tendon, with Taylor filling the backup role for Beanie Wells in Williams’ absence. Now in his tenth season in the NFL, Taylor amassed 406 total yards and three touchdowns in Chicago last season as Matt Forte’s backup, carrying the ball only 112 times the entire season.

His best year came back in 2006 when he was still a Minnesota Viking, rushing for 1,216 yards in 15 starts that season along with six touchdowns along the way.

Obviously this isn’t an ideal situation for the Cards, who parted ways with Tim Hightower largely in part of the drafting of Williams, and now will have neither for the whole season and have to go with a veteran that hopefully has some gas left in the tank.

According to this report, the Cardinals have also claimed two cornerbacks off the waiver wire:

azcentral.com blogs - Kent Somers - Chester Taylor agrees to terms
The Cardinals also apparently have claimed two cornerbacks off waivers: Korey Lindsey from the Bengals and Crezdon Butler from the Steelers. Lindsey was a seventh-round pick this year, and Butler is in his second season.

For more on the Cardinals, check out Revenge of the Birds

NFL Roster Cuts: Chicago Bears Officially Release Chester Taylor

The Chicago Bears officially released Chester Taylor on Saturday. The 31-year old veteran had the worst season of his career in 2010, gaining only 267 yards on 112 carries for the NFC North contenders. The Bears signed Marion Barber in the offseason, and Taylor is the odd man out in the Windy City.

Prior to signing with the Bears, Taylor spent four seasons in Minnesota, the final three as the backup for Adrian Peterson. Taylor is a change-of-pace back that could prove to be a useful piece on third downs.

The Arizona Cardinals may be interested in Taylor after losing rookie Ryan Williams for the season and trading Tim Hightower to the Washington Redskins. Currently, LaRod Stephens-Howling is the second running back on the depth chart, with Beanie Wells slated to get the majority of the carries in 2011.

Several teams will be in the running for Taylor's services in 2011. His proven track record as a third down back will find him a spot on an NFL roster this season. Will the Cardinals end up signing Chester Taylor? Stay tuned.

For more on the Cards, head over to Revenge of the Birds.

NFL Roster Cuts: Cardinals Make Several Surprise Moves To Get To 53-Man Roster

The Arizona Cardinals announced their cuts to the roster on Friday, one day ahead of the NFL deadline to get down to a 53-man roster. There were a few surprises in the final decisions. Of course, these cuts aren't necessarily permanent. The team can make changes as the season goes on.

"The one thing that I'll say about the 53-man roster is that it's written in pencil. This will not be the same 53-man roster that we go into play against Carolina next week," Coach Ken Whisenhunt said on Friday after the announcement was made.

"Obviously, there's still some maneuvering to be done yet, but a good portion of the team is going to stay in tact." 

There will be over 700 players released around the NFL in the next few days. The Cardinals are going to keep an eye on that and see if there's anyone that can help the team. Whisenhunt wouldn't comment on any specific positions other than to say that everything is open except the quarterback position, unless a Peyton Manning or Tom Brady become available.

The biggest surprises were the decisions to keep all five tight ends, seven defensive linemen and to keep nine linebackers but only go with four safeties and four cornerbacks and one fullback. 

One of the bigger names to get cut was punter Ben Graham who got beat out by Dave Zastudil. Graham had a down year in 2010 but was very good in 2009. Zastudil is a 10-year NFL vet brought in late in training camp. Whisenhunt said they have plenty of history with Zastudil from his time with Cleveland in the AFC North.

Both cornerbacks Fred Bennett and Marshay Green were cut which leaves only four at that position. We would expect the team will look at the waiver wire for additional depth there. Same with safety where Matt Ware was cut leaving four. Whisenhunt confirmed that both S Adrian Wilson and CB Michael Adams should be available to play in Week 1 barring any setbacks in their rehab.

Making the roster, for now, was defensive end Ronald Talley who wasn't predicted by anyone to still be here. He could be a guy that gets cut should another running back or defensive back becomes available that the team like. TE Stephen Spach is also a guy who could be let go is a spot is needed. TE Jim Dray was injured (pectoral strain) during Thursday's game. A long term prognosis is still not available. Spach could just be insurance until Dray's injury is confirmed to be minor.

At fullback, it was Reagan Maui'a who lost out to rookie Anthony Sherman. Maui'a should be able to land a job elsewhere if a team has need at that position. On the offensive line, backup center Ben Claxton lost out to D'Anthony Batiste which was unexpected. 

All of the Cardinal's 2011 draft picks made this initial round of cuts.

Here's the full list of players cut:

• Cornerback FRED BENNETT
• Safety JARED CAMPBELL
• Center BEN CLAXTON
• Quarterback BRODIE CROYLE
• Linebacker WILL DAVIS
• Punter BEN GRAHAM
• Cornerback MARSHAY GREEN
• Defensive end KENNY IWEBEMA
• Tackle/Guard CLIFF LOUIS
• Defensive tackle RICKY LUMPKIN
• Fullback REAGAN MAUI'A
• Defensive end JEREMY NAVARRE
• Wide receiver AARON NICHOLS
• Cornerback BRYANT NNABUIFE
• Linebacker CYRIL OBIOZOR
• Center KRIS O'DOWD
• Guard TOM PESTOCK
• Running back WILLIAM POWELL
• Tight end STEPHEN SKELTON
• Linebacker KENDALL SMITH
• Linebacker PAGO TOGAFAU
• Cornerback THAD TURNER
• Safety MATT WARE
• Wide receiver ISAIAH WILLIAMS
• Tackle D.J. YOUNG

The Cardinals have also placed wide receiver Sean Jeffcoat (shoulder) and guard Floyd Womack (shoulder) on injured reserve.

NFL Roster Deadline: Predictions For Cardinals Final 53-Man Roster

The Arizona Cardinals will use their final preseason game to evaluate several players on the bubble of making the final cut down to the NFL mandated 53-man roster. The deadline is Saturday, September 3 but we expect the decisions to be made on Friday after the game against Denver.

We've identified two key battles to watch during Thursday's game. The final linebacker job could come down to Quan Sturdivant and Reggie Walker and the last cornerback job could be between Marshay Green and Fred Bennett. A couple of other guys to keep an eye on include WR Stephen Williams, OL Floyd Womack and the battle between FB Anthony Sherman and Reagan Maui'a although we think both will eventually make the team.

We've gone through each position group in detail, now here's our final predictions for the Arizona Cardinals 2011 53-man roster. Obviously, the roster is a living thing and will change throughout the year but it's got to start somewhere and here's what we think it will look like.

Quarterback (Three)

This one's pretty simple. Kevin Kolb, John Skelton and Rich Bartel will make the roster. Skelton and Bartel could flip back and forth between the backup job but the ankle injury to Skelton will likely give Bartel the edge to start the season.

Running back (Three)

Beanie Wells is obviously the main man in the backfield for the Cardinals. LaRod Stephens-Howling will make the team and Alfonso Smith should make the roster as well unless the team isn't pleased with his performance in Thursday's final preseason game and/or a better option for a backup become available.

Fullback (Two)

The battle between Reagan Maui'a and Anthony Sherman is too close to call. The team is more committed to running the ball this season and either of these guys is unlikely to clear waivers if cut. Look for both to make the roster.

Wide receiver (Six)

Larry Fitzgerald, Early Doucet, Andre Roberts are locks. DeMarco Sampson, Stephen Williams and veteran Chansi Stuckey will likely get the last two spots. If the team decides to carry a fourth running back or an extra offensive lineman they could drop Williams and go with five wides. The strength and depth at tight end lets the Cardinals save a spot here but it could go either way.

Tight End (Four)

With Todd Heap, Jeff King and Rob Housler all but assured roster spots, the final decision will come down to Jim Dray and Stephen Spach. Dray is more versatile and therefore more likely to make the cut. It is possible that Spach makes the team as well in place of wide receiver Stephen Williams. It's unlikely, but possible.

Cornerback (Five)

The loss of Greg Toler has hurt the depth here and moved Al Jefferson, Patrick Peterson and Richard Marshall into the top spots. Michael Adams is reported to be returning from injury soon so he should make the team. The final spot should go to newly signed Fred Bennett but Marshay Green could possibly win the job as well. The battle between Green and Bennett could come down to the wire.

Safety (Five)

Veterans Adrian Wilson and Kerry Rhodes will have a lot of work keeping the young cornerbacks playing right. Hamza Abdullah and Rashad Johnson provide depth with Matt Ware making up the final spot. Ware's spot, however, is far from secure.

Defensive Line (Six)

The defensive line looks solid with Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell providing talent and experience on the outside while Dan Williams and David Carter could share time at tackle. Behind those four, veterans Vonnie Holiday and Nick Eason provide solid depth.

Linebackers (Eight)

Linebacker is another strong position on the defense. Joey Porter, Clark Haggans, Paris Lenon and Daryl Washington should start with Sam Acho, O'Brien Schofield and Stewart Bradley all providing dynamic options off the bench. The final spot comes down to rookie Quan Sturdivant and three-year pro Reggie Walker. The is another battle that could come down to a final tough decision.

Offensive Line (Eight)

The starting five seems set with Levi Brown (LT), Daryn College (LG), Lyle Sendlein (C), Rex Hadnot (RG) and Brandon Keith (RT). Duece Lutui, Jeremy Bridges and Ben Claxton should fill out the position but it's very possible that Floyd Womack also makes the team and takes a spot from either a wide receiver or even one of the fullbacks.

Special Teams (Three)

Long snapper Mich Leach, kicker Jay Feely and punter Ben Graham round out the 53-man roster. No surprises here.

NFL Roster Cuts: Offensive Line For Cardinals Still Hold Questions

The starters on the Arizona Cardinals offensive line are fairly well set but with the NFL roster cut deadline approaching, there are several of the big boys who won't find themselves on the 53-man roster. The O-line, like many other areas, was a point of concern last season. Headed into the 2011 NFL Draft and the subsequent free agency period the Cardinals were expected to be active in this area.

However, the only newcomers to the O-line turned out to be starting left guard Daryn Colledge who comes over from the NFL Champion Green Bay Packers and his back-up on the depth chart, Floyd Womack from the non-champion Cleveland Browns. Both Colledge and Womack came as unrestricted free agents.

At left tackle, the often criticized Levi Brown (2007 first-round pick) returns to the starting position. Behind Brown on the depth chart is D'Anthony Batiste who was acquired by the Cardinals during the 2010 season and played in one game.

The center position was solidified this offseason with the resigning of starter Lyle Sendlein who was a free agent. Behind Sendlein returns Ben Claxton.

On the right side Rex Hadnot (guard) and Brandon Keith (tackle) both return to the team. Behind them are two more familiar Cardinals names, Duece Lutui (guard) and Jeremy Bridges (tackle). 

Behind these ten are a number of guys who didn't seem to distinguish themselves enough in camp to earn a spot.

The real decisions will likely come down to Batiste and Womack who would seem to be on the outside looking in if the team keeps eight at this position as expected. That would leave your starting five as Brown (LT), College (LG), Sendlein (C), Hadnot (RG), Keith (RT). Reserves would be Claxton, Lutui and Bridges. 

Lutui, once again, is another question mark on the O-line. Some think he's more talented at right guard than Hadnot but on the flip side, if he's not done enough to improve his conditioning and weight problem he could end up getting cut. Right now, based on what we've seen in camp and preseason, we expect him to make the team and likely move into the starting lineup at some point this year.

NFL Roster Cuts: Linebacker A Position Of Depth For Cardinals, Will Rookie Make Roster?

The linebacker position for the Arizona Cardinals includes solid veteran options, exciting young players and is, on paper, a position of strength. But while there are seven obvious choices to make the roster, there is a final battle underway to make the 53-man roster when the NFL cut deadline comes around on September 3. 

We'll start with the guys who are going to make the team. Veterans Joey Porter and Clark Haggans are a lock at both outside linebacker positions. Haggans is a great leader and solid, if not flashy, presence. Porter is coming off a down year and after restructuring his contract is promising to comeback with a vengeance. We'll see if he can deliver.

If Porter or Haggans can't get it down, there's two talented young players waiting right behind them. O'Brien Schofield is in his second year and has shown flashes of his incredible talent but he is still struggling to learn the system and game at the NFL level. He's a guy who could come on strong in the second half after he's had more time to absorb the schemes so his mind is free to unleash his speed. 

Rookie Sam Acho is a gifted player and extremely smart. He's another guy who could continue to improve as the season wears on. Both Schofield and Acho should see reps immediately which will allow them to both develop and save wear and tear on the veteran starters.

Inside we'll likely see Paris Lenon and Daryl Washington. Washington has the potential to have a breakout season in his second year as a pro. His combination of speed and aggression is a joy to watch. Backing up these two is veteran Stewart Bradley. Bradley could very well find himself starting at some point. In essence you have a three-man rotation here.

So, that's your seven locks for the linebacker position. Porter, Haggans, Schofield and Acho on the outside and Lenon, Washington and Bradley inside.

That leaves one job left which will come down to Reggie Walker and Quan Sturdivant. Walker is a three-year NFL vet who played in 18 games for the Cardinals over the last two years. Sturdivant is a sixth-round pick from this year. Out of a rookie class that's excelled overall, Quan is the only guy who's not stood out. 

Walker and Sturdivant will both likely play big minutes in the fourth preseason game. One of them will likely win the job based on what happens in the game. My prediction is Walker.

2011 NFL Roster Cuts: Not Many Surprises On The Cards D-Line

As the final cuts to 53-man rosters approach, SB Nation Arizona takes a look at the Arizona Cardinals' defensive line. There aren't a lot of suprises to be found, but there is some suprising depth.

2011 NFL Roster Cuts: Cardinals Playing It Safe At Safety

As the day to set NFL 53-man rosters looms, its seems fairly clear what safeties will remain with the team when the season starts. Four players appear to be locks. A fifth will make the team if the Cardinals keep five players, which could happen. The star of the group is making a fast recovery, it seems, from what many thought was a serious injury.

The Cardinals don't lack experience at this position, and the heart and soul of the unit and the defense as a whole is the man known as A-Dub, 11th-year veteran Adrian Wilson. He's working hard to return from a torn biceps injury that has cost him the entire preseason schedule and most of training camp, but if Wilson isn't ready for the regular-season opener, that could open the door for another safety to make the team.

The locks to make the roster are Wilson, fellow vet Kerry Rhodes and third-year player Rashad Johnson, who's had some good moments in the preseason. Hamza Abdullah, with seven years in the NFL, is right there with that group.

The safety on the bubble is Matt Ware, who has been with the Cardinals for six seasons and was brought back when the seriousness of Wilson's injury became known. Ware has also been a good special teams player, but he could be the odd man out if the Cardinals enter the season with four safeties -- which would presumably mean that Wilson is ready to play. If Wilson isn't ready, the Cardinals could keep five safeties including Ware.

Rookie Jared Campbell's days could be numbered. He's the only other safety currently with the team.

With Ware's ability on special teams and vast experience, plus being cautious with Wilson for at least another week, the Cardinals appear likely to go into the season with five. 

2011 NFL Roster Cuts: Cardinals Have Decisions To Make With Uncertainty Looming At Cornerback

The Arizona Cardinals and all other NFL teams have just a few more days to finalize their final 53-man rosters ahead of the 2011 regular season. The roster deadline is Saturday, Sept. 3rd, and teams are working furiously to get players all sorted out between now and then. Of particular interest to the Cardinals right now is the position of cornerback, where a youth movement appears to be taking place.

Cornerback Greg Toler, a third-year player for the Cardinals who started 13 of 14 games last season, was lost for the year earlier this week. The Cardinals are left with young playmakers A.J. Jefferson and Patrick Petterson at the spot, who have a combined two games of NFL experience between them with zero starts. Jefferson, a second-year player who went undrafted in 2010, saw few plays for the Cardinals last season. Petterson, meanwhile, was the Cardinals' first-round pick (fifth overall) in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Though the two are young, Coach Ken Whizenhunt stated soon after Toler's injury that he is okay with starting them both. The team, however, will likely want to back up Jefferson and Petterson with more experienced players in case either or both of them have trouble early on in the season.

The team recently acquired veteran Fred Bennett, a five-year veteran who played most recently for the Cincinnati Bengals. He will almost definitely stay with the Cardinals after these cuts.

Of the team's other cornerbacks, the order in terms of NFL experience proceeds as follows: Richard Marshall (five years), Michael Adams (four years), Marshay Green (one years), Thad Turner (zero years) and Bryant Nnabuife (zero years)

My guess is that the team keeps some combination of Marshall and Adams as a result of their experience and tenure in the league. Due to the relative uncertainty at cornerback right now, the Cardinals could also opt to keep one or two of the young guns (Green, Turner and Nnabuife).

Whatever the Cardinals decide to do, we will know in about 48 hours.

2011 NFL Roster Cuts: Todd Heap Leads Strong Group Of Tight Ends For Arizona Cardinals

With the 53-man roster having to be determined by Saturday, Sept 3, the Arizona Cardinals have many difficult decisions to make. 27 players will have to be cut from the team. At some positions, the decision is fairly straight forward while other make it a little harder. 

The tight end position is pretty easy at the top, a little less so at the bottom. 

The position has been a huge weakness for years. The talent and the offensive schemes made it so that in 2009 41 percent of plays were without a tight end in the game. Last year was 36 percent without a tight end. To keep things in perspective, no one else in the league was over 25 percent. 

It is different now. 10-year veteran Todd Heap signed with the Cardinals. He becomes automatically the best player at the position that the team has ever had. Jeff King was another signing that is solid. They will be on that final roster and will get significant playing time. 

Rookie Rob Housler was drafted in the third round of  the 2011 NFL Draft and has been impressive. He is still a bit of a project at the position, but Ken Whisenhunt has been pleased and surprised at the grasp he has had with everything. He will be on the roster and figures to play at least a little as his size and speed will create mismatches. 

The question regarding the position that remains is how many tight ends the team will keep. Azcardinals.com writer Darren Urban told me that he believes that the team will keep four. In that case, the final spot is a battle between veteran Stephen Spach, second year player Jim Dray and undrafted rookie Stephen Skelton, who is also QB John Skelton's younger brother.

Whisenhunt loves the type of player Spach is. He is edgy, plays hard and blocks well. He has had a few injuries. Dray is still developing in blocking and can catch the ball okay. He is a contributor on special teams. Skelton has the build and some talent there. 

Skelton will not make the squad, but could return on the practice squad. The decision will be tough, but the final spot will go to Dray, if for anything else because he plays on special teams. That will leave Spach on the outside. 

Heap, King, Housler and Dray. Those will likely be the tight ends that will start the 2011 season with the Arizona Cardinals.

2011 NFL Roster Cuts: Beanie Wells Takes Center Stage As Featured Back

The Arizona Cardinals' running game begins and ends with power back Beanie Wells, who this year looks like he's finally ready to step into the role as lead ball carrier for the Cards. It certainly didn't look that way only a few months ago. Now the team's roster is soon to be pared down to 53, and Wells is firmly entrenched as one of the final group.

In April, the Cardinals already had Tim Hightower and then drafted Ryan Williams, a sure sign that Wells wasn't cutting it and he'd have to step up and work even harder for more carries in a crowded backfield. 

In the past month, however, the landscape changed dramatically. Hightower was dealt to Washington, elevating Wells to the top of the depth chart, and then Williams suffered a torn patellar tendon in the preseason game at Green Bay and had to go on injured reserve.

Wells, entering his third NFL season, has survived, and as the final roster cutdown day looms, the Cardinals also have LaRod Stephens-Howling as a situational back and Alfonso Smith, when his hamstring is better. The club seems to like Smith's potential, but don't be surprised if the Cardinals add another running back released by another team this weekend.

The truth here is, there isn't really much to cut from running back and fullback for Arizona, as Williams' injury and the Hightower trade have lowered the number of players at those positions in training camp and one cut was already made at fullback this week.

After a decent rookie season in 2009 followed by an overly disappointing 2010 in which he rushed for only 397 yards in 13 games -- he missed the first three with a torn meniscus, another source of dismay for fans -- Wells has looked like a much tougher runner in practice and in the preseason. 

"I'm very pleased with how (Wells) has taken that load and worked hard to become a better back. He's come a long way since two years ago and I respect that. Hopefully, he'll have the season that will show everybody how hard he's worked," coach Ken Whisenhunt said about Wells this week.

Beyond Wells, Stephens-Howling likely makes the 53-man squad because he offers a different look, and because he is an electrifying return specialist with proven ability to make big plays. Smith should be the last running back on the roster barring a change of heart by the coaches and a move to bring in a more experienced player. William Powell, a rookie from Kansas State, is a longshot.

At fullback, it's veteran Reagan Maui'a and rookie Anthony Sherman, both who figure to make the final roster since Sherman can be a valuable special teams player, as he has shown in the preseason. This position should take on a bigger role than in year's past as the team looks to run the ball more and we've even seen passes going to the fullbacks in short yardage situations to mix things up.

They are the only two fullbacks remaining on the current roster, and most teams keep two although Whisenhunt said recently that it would depend on how a few other things shake out. Both have looked strong in camp and preseason games which would make it difficult to pick one over the other.

NFL Roster Cuts: Larry Fitzgerald Leads Unproven Arizona Cardinals Wide Receivers

Across the NFL, teams are preparing for final roster cuts that will get them to their final 53-man roster. The Arizona Cardinals are naturally one of these teams. At some positions there is not a lot of question. At quarterback, we know that Kevin Kolb, John Skelton and Rich Bartel will be the guys on the roster. At running back, Beanie Wells, Alfonso Smith, LaRod Stephens-Howling and someone else will round out the position.

At the wide receiver position, there is more uncertainty at the end of the roster, although the top is very clear.

We already know that Larry Fitzgerald is the top dog. His new $120 million deal only confirms this. Second-year player Andre Roberts and fourth-year guy Early Doucet are the other players that are a lock for the roster. However, which of the two will be the number two guy that starts with Fitz is not perfectly clear. It looks like it will be Roberts, but that situation is still fluid.

With Max Komar getting hurt and being waived/injured, we know he is out. That leaves returner Stephen Williams, seventh-round draft pick DeMarco Sampson, free agent signee Chansi Stuckey, and camp invitee Isaiah Williams to battle it out for the final spots.

The question is whether the team will carry five or six receivers. Typically, it would be six, but if they go with four tight ends on the squad (which is highly likely), they may only go with five.

If they go with six, it should be easy. Isaiah Williams will be the guy on the outside. If only five, then it gets interesting. Stephen Williams has had a strong camp, but did last year and was completely unproductive during the season. Stuckey has a brand new contract, but not a ton of guaranteed money. Sampson has been a gem, but when the regular season starts, who knows if it will translate into on-field success. He also has been hampered by a hamstring injury recently.

My guess is that they will go with six and that will leave Isaiah Williams off the squad. He could be brought back to the practice squad if he clears waivers.

We may know as early as Friday what wil happen. If there are any injuries in Thursday's game, that will change things, as well.

Regardless of who makes the roster, it has the appearance that, no matter who makes it, it will be a more talented corp of receivers than in 2010. Of course, that might just because the starting quarterback is not Derek Anderson, John Skelton, or Max Hall.

2011 NFL Roster Cuts: Cardinals Quarterback Depth Chart Led By Kevin Kolb

Roster cuts for NFL teams is fast approaching and by Saturday the Cardinals must pare down their numbers to the final 53-man roster. The Arizona Cardinals have been, in a word, dynamic at the quarterback position since Kurt Warner's retirement after the 2009 season. Unfortunately, dynamic means "always changing" rather than explosive or exciting.

After a 2010 season that found Derek Anderson, Max Hall, John Skelton and Richard Bartel under center for Arizona, consistency has been returned through the acquisition of Kevin Kolb from the Philadlephia Eagles.

Kevin Kolb is the unquestioned starter for the Cardinals, bringing chemistry with Larry Fitzgerald and a strong arm to the mix. As the starter, Kolb looks to make his mark in the NFL with the first true starting opportunity of his career. In 2010, he was overrun by Michael Vick, losing his job while injured. There will be no such concern going into 2011.

For backups, John Skelton and Richard Bartel both seem destined to make the Cardinals 53-man roster. Skelton was a fifth round pick in 2010 and, while dealing with an ankle sprain suffered in the second preseason game, is my choice to be the backup quarterback going into 2011.

Bartel, a former UFL standout, has looked good during his preseason appearances and is an insurance policy should both Kolb and Skelton get injured. Against San Diego, Bartel completed 8 of his 10 pass attempts for 76 yards and a touchdown. Despite being against the bench players, Bartel has shown that he can compete under the right circumstances.

Next, we take a quick look at the quarterbacks who, baring a shocking surprise, will not be on the roster come Sunday.

Former Brigham Young star Max Hall was placed on the injured reserve this week after it was discovered that he would need season-ending surgery on his shoulder. Hall had previously been "waived-injured" and had cleared waivers. It was unlikely he would have beaten out Skelton or Bartel even if he hadn't injured his shoulder during the last week of training camp.

Replacing Hall on the depth chart was former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle, who doesn't figure to make the team. He has yet to make an appearance in preseason play, and is squarely behind Kolb, Skelton and Bartel on the depth chart. 

NFL Roster Cuts Deadline: Surprises Coming For Cardinals 53-Man Roster

The 2011 NFL deadline for roster cuts (53-man roster) is Saturday, September 3. We break down each position group for the Arizona Cardinals and give our predictions on who will make the team.

Cardinals Sign Cornerback Fred Bennett, Cut Rookie Brandon Sharpe

The Arizona Cardinals have signed cornerback Fred Bennett, according to an official team announcement. The team waived-injured rookie linebacker Brandon Sharpe (hamstring) to make room on the 80-man roster. The move comes on the same day that cornerback Greg Toler, who is out for the season with a knee injury, was placed on injured reserve.

Bennett has been in the NFL for five seasons and has played for the Houston Texans, San Diego Chargers, and Cincinnati Bengals during that span. He spent his first three seasons In the league (from 2007 to 2009) with the Texans, playing an average of 13.33 games each year and starting just under half of those.

2010 presented some turmoil for Bennett, who spent four games with the Chargers and four games with the Bengals. He recorded only one sack with each of those two teams.

The question with this signing may come down to Bennett's health. He has played fewer games in each of the last three seasons than the year before (dropping from all 16 games in 2008 to 10 games in 2009 and 9 games in 2010). Granted, Bennett did face the turmoil of changing teams last season, but he will have to prove that he can stay healthy in order to become an established member of the cornerback rotation.

Chester Taylor Not Released After Being Released

Hey guys! Funny story! So remember that Chester Taylor story that had him saying bye-bye to the Chicago Bears? Well turns out that was all a lie! Yeah I know good one! Taylor's agent tweeted this:

Here's a first for me - the Bears just called me and said they have NOT released Chester. He did talk with Lovie though...misunderstanding?

Joke's on you! And me! And Taylor! And the Bears! Looks like Marion Barber's calf injury threw a wrench into their decision not to keep Taylor, and so here he is, back with Chicago.

If Taylor isn't getting released, then the Arizona Cardinals are running out of options on the free agent market when it comes to finding complementary running backs for Beanie Wells and Alfonso Smith. It looks like Arizona is going to have to ride the young and unknown back through the regular season and hope they pan out, because help coming from the outside is entirely dependent on who other teams decide to cut from their roster or keep. Or in the case of the Bears, cut, then keep.

For more on the Arizona Cardinals, visit Revenge of the Birds.

Arizona Cardinals Roster Moves: Toler To IR, Komar And Others Waived

The Arizona Cardinals, like every other team in the NFL, have until Tuesday to reach the 80-man roster limit. The Cardinals didn't waste any time as they announced a series of moves that get them to that goal. The easy decisions were to place CB Greg Toler (knee) and RB Ryan Williams (knee) on the injured reserve. Both are done for the season with significant injuries. 

In addition to Toler and Williams, the team injury-waived WR Max Komar (knee) and S Tommy Irvin (ankle). They also released six players including FB Charles Ali, WR Daiveun Curry-Chapman, LB Curtis Gatewood, LB Duke Lemmens, and Tackles Eric Mensik and Jason Speredon.

None of the cuts made are surprising. If the Cardinals want to pick up any additional players that get waived from other teams such as RB Chester Taylor, they will have to make a corresponding cut. The Cardinals will also probably be keeping a close eye on any cornerbacks that might enter the free agent market. With the loss of Greg Toler, the team will likely need additional depth at that position.

The next roster cut will come by September 3 and bring the roster down to the final 53 players. For more on NFL roster cut deadlines, visit SB Nation.

For more on the Arizona Cardinals, visit Revenge of the Birds.

RB Chester Taylor To Be Released, Could Cardinals Be Interested?

Arizona has a few options in their efforts to replace injured running back Ryan Williams.