The Arizona Cardinals now have two preseason games in the books. They are done with training camnp in Glendale and have moved things back to Tempe.
We have seen player performances in games and in practices. Some injuries have given clarity to some position battles.
After two preseason games, what does the battle for the final 53 look?
Below are my latest 53-man roster projections for the Cardinals.
Cardinals 53-man roster projections: Offense
Quarterback
- Jacoby Brissett
- Gardner Minshew
- Carson Beck
Unless something changes, this room seems like a lock.
Running back
- Jeremiyah Love
- Tyler Allgeier
- James Conner
- Bam Knight
Love and Allgeier are locks. Conner is being treated like he is a sure thing. Trey Benson's knee will make it so he either lands on injured reserve, or he will be cut once he is healthy. Knight makes it again as the fourth running back.
One potential factor that could change
things — could Conner be dealt to another team?
Wide receiver
- Marvin Harrison Jr.
- Michael Wilson
- Kendrick Bourne
- Devin Duvernay
- Jalen Brooks
- Reggie Virgil
Three are locks. Duvernay feels like a likely lock. That leaves two spots for Brooks, Virgil, Simi Fehoko and Ihrmir Smith-Marsette to compete for. Virgil has an edge being a draft pick this year, his play and special teams. Brooks and Fehoko are doing well, too. Fehoko has salary guarantees and is a vested veteran, so he can be cut and won't have to clear waivers. He gets paid and can be on the practice squad and elevated as needed to play on Sundays, while they can protect a roster spot for one of the other guys.
Tight end
- Trey McBride
- Elijah Higgins
- Tip Reiman
- Teagan Quitoriano
They might only be able to keep three to start the year. Reiman's injury status is up in the air. If he can't go, keep an eye on Rivaldo Fairweather.
Offensive line
- Paris Johnson
- Isaac Seumalo
- Hjalte Froholdt
- Isaiah Adams
- Elijah Wilkinson
- Josh Fryar
- Jayden Williams
- Jon Gaines
- Hayden Conner
Chase Bisontis' injury opens the door for Conner. Matt Pryor and Oli Udoh will be considered for the backup guard job. With Fryar and Williams, they don't need more tackle ability.
Cardinals 53-man roster projections: Defense
Defensive line
- Walter Nolen
- Roy Lopez
- Darius Robinson
- L.J. Collier
- Andrew Billings
- Dante Stills
This group seems pretty set. Will Jonah Williams be able to crack the group?
Outside linebacker
- Josh Sweat
- Zaven Collins
- Baron Browning
- Jordan Burch
- Eku Leota
Assuming health and Sweat's return, BJ Ojulari doesn't make it. Leota played 15 snaps on special teams, adding value to him on the roster.
Inside linebacker
- Mack Wilson
- Jack Gibbens
- Cody Simon
- Karson Sharar
It will come down to Sharar and fourth-year linebacker Owen Pappoe. Both play a lot on special teams.
Cornerback
- Will Johnson
- Denzel Burke
- Max Melton
- Sean Murphy-Bunting
- Elijah Jones
I'm not ready to count on Garrett Williams being ready to start the season on the roster, so the question is whether there will be a backup nickel behind Murphy-Bunting. Jones has been playing well. Maybe Kalen King gets that spot. Max Melton might be someone they trade to keep someone else on the roster like Star Thomas or King.
Safety
- Budda Baker
- Andrew Wingard
- Dadrion Taylor-Demerson
- Kitan Crawford
Joey Blount's season-ending injury makes this clearer, although potentially watch for Isaiah OIiver to sneak on because he can play safety and cornerback.
Cardinals 53-man roster projections: Special teams
These are a lock:
- K Chad Ryland
- P Blake Gillikin
- LS Casey Kreiter
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals 53-man roster projections after 2 preseason games
