The Arizona Cardinals acquired six players off waiver claims last week after final cuts. While none is expected to have a starting role, on Monday, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said the team needs many of them right away.
“We’re going to need some of them to help us right away,” Gannon said. “They know their role right now as we sit here today. We’ve got to get them caught up to speed in how we do things and all that, but they’re here for a reason, so we feel comfortable with them.”
Of the six players acquired via waivers, who might have a role in Week 1 vs. the Washington Commanders?
The 4 new linemen
The Cardinals acquired Trystan Colon, Ilm Manning, Keith Ismael and Carter O’Donnell off waivers.
At least two of them will be active on Sunday. Kelvin Beachum will be the Cardinals’ sixth offensive lineman as the swing tackle but they will need a backup center (probably Colon) and a backup guard (perhaps Ismael or Manning).
CB Starling Thomas
Thomas was a solid special teams player for the Lions in the preseason. He could have a role there.
TE Elijah Higgins
If the Cardinals keep four tight ends active on Sunday, Higgins will be expected to play on special teams.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2015]