The Arizona Cardinals announced their final 53-man roster on Sunday, Aug. 30, trimming down from the 90 players included on their preseason roster shortly after the NFL’s 3 p.m. deadline.
The roster release was most notable for the injury status of James Conner, who was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return. That means he must miss the first four weeks of the season and is not eligible to practice during that span.
Conner, who suffered a season-ending foot injury last September, returned to practice early in training camp but only participated in individual drills, never gearing up to a point where he was able to join full-team work.
Meanwhile, tight end Tip Reiman remained on the physically unable to perform list with a severe
foot injury suffered last October. Earlier in the summer, there was optimism that Reiman could return in time for Week 1, but that will not be the case.
Like Conner, Reiman must miss the first four weeks of the season. The difference is that teams can activate only eight players from IR during the season. Reiman, on PUP, does not count toward that limit.
Elsewhere, the Cardinals remade their cornerbacks room, waiving Sean Murphy-Bunting and Starling Thomas V. Those two served as the Cardinals’ starting cornerbacks for much of the 2024 season, but both suffered torn ACLs ahead of the 2025 season. Despite returning to full health, neither could regain his starting spot this summer.
Murphy-Bunting’s release was especially surprising, as he had worked as the starting nickel cornerback for much of training camp. That move suggests that Garrett Williams — who was activated off PUP earlier this month — is nearing full strength ahead of Week 1. Kei’Trel Clark figures to serve as his backup in the slot.
Also at cornerback, the Cardinals released 2024 third-round pick Elijah Jones, in a widely-expected move. Edge rusher B.J. Ojulari — a 2023 second-round pick — was another former top pick with whom the Cardinals cut ties. Neither player had managed to establish themselves with the organization, as both were marred by injuries and underperformance.
The work, though, isn’t done yet for general manager Monti Ossenfort. The Cardinals have 16 spots on their practice squad to fill, either by re-signing players they waived or adding external players once others clear waivers.
Plus, the Cardinals hold the No. 3 waiver claim, by virtue of their 3-14 record last season. They could use that priority to add a player along the defensive front, where their limited depth is especially glaring.
Until then, here is a look at the roster.
Cardinals’ 2026 53-man roster
Quarterback (3): Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, Carson Beck
Running back (3): Jeremiyah Love, Tyler Allgeier, Bam Knight
Wide receiver (7): Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Kendrick Bourne, Devin Duvernay, Reggie Virgil, Jalen Brooks, Simi Fehoko
Tight end (3): Trey McBride, Elijah Higgins, Hunter Long
Offensive tackle (4): Paris Johnson Jr., Elijah Wilkinson, Josh Fryar, Jayden Williams
Interior offensive line (5): Isaac Seumalo, Hjalte Froholdt, Isaiah Adams, Jon Gaines, Hayden Conner
Interior defensive line (6): Walter Nolen, Darius Robinson, Roy Lopez, Dante Stills, L.J. Collier, Andrew Billings
Edge rusher (5): Josh Sweat, Baron Browning, Zaven Collins, Jordan Burch, Eku Leota
Inside linebacker (4): Mack Wilson, Jack Gibbens, Cody Simon, Karson Sharar
Cornerback (5): Will Johnson, Garrett Williams, Max Melton, Denzel Burke, Kei'Trel Clark
Safety (5): Budda Baker, Andrew Wingard, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Kitan Crawford, Wydett Williams Jr.
Kicker (1): Chad Ryland
Punter (1): Blake Gillikin
Long snapper (1): Casey Kreiter
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Cardinals set 53-man roster on 2026 NFL cut day: See the team
