With every passing practice and preseason game, the Arizona Cardinals move that much closer to initial 53-man roster cuts.
And unlike the past two seasons, there are going to be some serious decisions to make regarding high-end talent.
After an extended week in Denver that culminated in a 27-7 loss to the Broncos on Saturday, here’s an updated projection of the roster after last week’s look:
Cardinals 53-man roster projections post-Denver week
QB (2): Kyler Murray, Jacoby Brissett
Brissett has shut the door on the QB2 battle after another strong preseason outing on Saturday.
RB (4): James Conner, Trey Benson, DeeJay Dallas, Emari Demercado
Demercado’s place on the roster looks more and more locked in with each preseason game. He’s making the most of the opportunities.
WR (6): Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Zay Jones, Greg Dortch, Xavier Weaver, Simi Fehoko
Fehoko’s touchdown on Saturday and Palmer’s early drop keeps the former ahead of the latter for the final roster spot in the WRs room.
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This battle is likely coming down to the preseason finale.
TE (3): Trey McBride, Tip Reiman, Elijah Higgins
These three tight ends are locked in. Could Travis Vokolek make it four (like last year)?
OL (10): Paris Johnson Jr., Evan Brown, Hjalte Froholdt, Isaiah Adams, Jonah Williams, Kelvin Beachum, Jon Gaines II, Will Hernandez, Hayden Conner, Josh Fryar (Christian Jones on IR)
Hayden Conner leaving Saturday’s game with a knee issue is going to be something to watch, especially after getting the start at center.
He’s done enough to earn a roster spot if he doesn’t have to miss any time.
DL (6): Calais Campbell, Dalvin Tomlinson, Darius Robinson, Dante Stills, L.J. Collier, P.J. Mustipher (Walter Nolen III, Bilal Nichols on reserve/PUP list)
In the battle between Mustipher and undrafted rookie Elijah Simmons, the former has the upperhand.
His usage earlier in Saturday’s game compared to Simmons’ late run is the latest example.
Veteran Justin Jones could find himself in the mix but has to get healthy.
OLB (5): Zaven Collins, Josh Sweat, Jordan Burch, Baron Browning, Xavier Thomas (BJ Ojulari on reserve/PUP list)
This room is looking pretty concrete, though Thomas did have a few misses in the run game on Saturday. Can BJ Ojulari make his return and a case ahead of 53-man roster cuts?
ILB (4): Mack Wilson Sr., Akeem Davis-Gaither, Cody Simon, Owen Pappoe
Simon got a lot of early snaps against the Broncos, a sign his roster spot is safe.
Pappoe, meanwhile, saw a ton of late-game action.
Simon has the lead over Pappoe, who must flex his playmaking abilities in the preseason finale to secure a role or even roster spot.
CB (6): Max Melton, Will Johnson, Garrett Williams, Kei’Trel Clark, Denzel Burke, Elijah Jones
Darren Hall had a chance at corralling his second interception in as many weeks. If he had, it would be tough not to include him on the 53-man roster.
That being said, 2024 third-rounder Elijah Jones added a highlight late in Saturday’s loss with a forced fumble in the red zone.
Cardinals recover the fumble in the end zone!
Watch on @NFLNetworkStream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/eGhm7oYLU4
— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2025
Next week’s game against Las Vegas could be the decider in who makes the roster.
S (4): Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, Dadrion “Rabbit” Taylor-Demerson, Kitan Crawford
Crawford continues to stack exhibitions, a huge positive in his battle with Joey Blount for the final roster spot in the room.
The rookie got the start on Saturday, while Blount filled in later on.
Crawford has been among Arizona’s biggest preseason standouts so far.
K (1): Chad Ryland
P (1): Blake Gillikin
LS (1): Aaron Brewer
Gillikin already looks like he’s in midseason form.
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