Cardinals make some roster moves before game vs. Patriots

The Cardinals made one elevation from the practice squad and placed two players on injured reserve on Saturday.

The Arizona Cardinals announced a few roster moves on Saturday, the day before thy face the New England Patriots at home on Sunday in Week 15. The main roster move was no surprise. With punter Blake Gillikin ruled out with a foot injury. Michael Palardy was elevated to the active roster from the practice squad.

That wasn’t the only move they made.

They placed both Gillikin and running back Emari Demercado, who was ruled out of the game with a back injury, on injured reserve. They will not be able to play again this season unless the Cardinals make the postseason.

What was mildly surprising with Demercado out and now on injured reserve is that Michael Carter was not elevated. Demercado, the team’s third-down back, will need to be replaced in role. It could mean more work for James Conner, a new role for rookie Trey Benson, or some playing time on offense for DeeJay Dallas.

The Patriots elevated tight end Jack Westover from the practice squad to the active roster for the game against the Cardinals.

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