Cardinals Make Strategic Roster Moves to Finalize 53-Man Team: What’s Next?

The Arizona Cardinals are trimming their roster to 53 players by 1 p.m. on Tuesday. On Monday, they made some big moves by releasing 12 players, including quarterback Clayton Tune.

Although Tune is gone from the main roster, there’s a chance he could rejoin on the practice squad. Teams can have a 16-man practice squad, so he might not be done with the Cardinals just yet.

With these cuts, the Cardinals are now down to 79 players.

As the roster finalization continues, some players are likely to be placed on injury lists. Rookie Walter Nolen III is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list due to a calf injury. Coach Jonathan Gannon mentioned they haven’t decided yet whether to include him in the initial 53 or keep him on PUP.

If a player is on PUP or IR-to-return, they’ll sit out until after Week 4, at the earliest. This means important decisions have to be made quickly.

Tune was a fifth-round pick in 2023. He had competed for the backup role behind Kyler Murray and even beat out Desmond Ridder in 2024. Over his two seasons, he played 13 games and completed 14 of 23 passes for 70 yards, with two interceptions.

The team also released offensive lineman Roy Mbaeteka, who can return to the practice squad due to his international status.

These roster moves are crucial. NFL teams often face tough choices, and the stakes are high. A study by the NFL Players Association found that injuries can impact team performance significantly. Each cut is not just about skill; it’s about finding the right balance and chemistry among players.

The Cardinals’ cuts highlight a broader trend in the NFL: teams are getting younger and focusing on building for the future. This year’s draft choices, including Nolen, are seen as building blocks for a stronger roster down the line.

In social media circles, fans are buzzing about these moves, sharing opinions and hoping for the best in the upcoming season. The balance between current performance and future potential remains a hot topic among football enthusiasts.

Here’s a look at the full list of cuts the Cardinals made on Tuesday.

For more updates and insight, you can check the NFL’s official page.

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