The Arizona Cardinals made some roster moves on Monday, releasing three players. It could signal the return of some players from injured reserve or the like.
The team announced it released cornerbacks Kris Boyd and Christian Matthew as well as offensive lineman Ilm Manning.
Manning, acquired via a waiver claim before the season, was not active in four games so far.
Boyd and Matthew both played in all four game so far this season but did not log a single defensive snap.
Boyd was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after a kickoff on Sunday. Perhaps this is a message to the team not to try and start fights in a game.
Also, it could mean that the Cardinals are ready for younger cornerbacks to make an impact. Starling Thomas, acquired via a waiver claim, was good on special teams for the Lions. He could be ready to play.
As a vested veteran, the Cardinals are likely on the hook for the rest of Boyd’s salary this season.
These moves could be the prelude to some players returning from injured reserve. Offensive lineman Dennis Daley and linebacker Myjai Sanders are eligible to be designated to return to practice this week and could be activated, as they missed the minimum of four weeks. Daley suffered an ankle injury in the preseason finale and Sanders fractured his hand at the start of training camp.
Quarterback Kyler Murray, on the PUP reserve, is eligible to be activated but reportedly is not ready.
Rookie cornerback Garrett Williams, on the non-football injury reserve for the torn ACL he suffered in college last October, is technically able to be activated as well. Head coach Jonathan Gannon did not make it seem like that would happen.
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=1362]