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Stunning Roster Shakeup: Cardinals Make Bold Move Ahead of Seahawks Clash

Cardinals Make Surprising Roster Move Ahead Of Seahawks Battle

The Cardinals shuffle their roster with key signings and a major injury designation just days before Thursday Night Football.

The Arizona Cardinals are making some strategic roster adjustments ahead of their 2025 primetime debut, and it’s all about shoring up depth and addressing some key absences. With running back James Conner headed to injured reserve, the Cards are turning to a few fresh faces-some familiar, some new-to solidify the lineup.

Let’s start with the biggest name on the move: James Conner, a central piece of Arizona’s backfield, is officially on IR. That’s a notable loss not just because of his production, but also because of the stability and veteran presence he brings to the offense.

Conner has often been the engine for this unit, capable of grinding out tough yards while balancing the pass game with solid protection and receiving ability. The Cardinals will need to get creative in his absence, likely leaning more on committee looks or emphasizing the short passing game to keep defenses honest.

To help counterbalance that loss, the team is promoting offensive lineman Demontrey Jacobs from the practice squad to the active roster. Jacobs has been waiting in the wings, and this move gives Arizona some added insurance up front. Whether Jacobs steps in as a swing option or gets spot duty in rotation, the Cardinals are making sure they have the beef in the trenches to protect their quarterback and open up lanes in the run game-especially important with a reshuffled RB corps.

The Cardinals also made a few practice squad tweaks that feel like forward-thinking depth plays. They signed linebacker Elliott Brown and safety Patrick McMorris to the practice squad. Brown steps in wearing jersey #41, while McMorris will don #39.

McMorris deserves a deeper look. He’s a 6-foot, 210-pound safety who broke into the league last year with the Dolphins, appearing in six games as a rookie.

Miami picked him up in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Cal. He’s a versatile defender with range and run support ability, having spent most of his college years at San Diego State before transferring to Cal for the 2023 season.

He also had a brief stint with the Giants on their practice squad earlier this year, which tells you teams see some value there-possibly as a special teams contributor or developmental depth piece.

As part of the moves, defensive lineman Kyon Barrs has been released from the practice squad. Barrs had been a developmental project himself, but the shuffle here is less about his performance and more about prioritizing where the Cardinals need support right now-a theme of this whole round of transactions.

These subtle shifts don’t always make headlines, but they say a lot about how a team is preparing behind the scenes. Arizona is addressing immediate attrition while also positioning itself to stay flexible as the season unfolds. With a national audience watching soon, these moves could prove more important than they initially appear.

Legendary Drew Brees Praises the Performance of the Saints' Rookie RB, the Perfect Replacement for Alvin Kamara
Can you believe it? The 2025 season is turning into a nightmare for the New Orleans Saints' running back corps, with superstar Alvin Kamara suffering a severe injury to his knee and ankle right in Week 12! Kendre Miller is also out for similar reasons, leaving Saints fans in a panic: Who will save the offense? But don't worry, a "hidden gem" rookie from the 6th round of the draft has stepped into the spotlight, turning Kamara's absence into a golden opportunity to shine brilliantly – and he's even received "high-flying" praise from legendary Drew Brees! Things didn't go as planned: Kamara was expected to "revive" under head coach Kellen Moore, while Miller awaited an explosive season. But injuries struck, opening the door for this young guy – a former college star with all-time records in rushing yards and touchdowns at Kansas. Initially, he was predicted to just sit on the bench, even being a "healthy scratch" in the first few weeks of the season. But when Kamara went down, he was thrust into the lead role, and oh boy, his performance is making the entire NFL take notice! It took a few weeks to "warm up," but this rookie has improved day by day, earning trust from Moore. His career-best game? A sweet 84 scrimmage yards and a touchdown against the Buccaneers! His touches skyrocketed: 12 times against the Falcons (7 rushes, 5 receptions), 17 times against the Dolphins (14 rushes, 3 receptions), then exploding with 20 opportunities in the upset win over the Buccaneers (19 rushes, 1 reception). Not only an efficient rusher, he's also a "golden shield" in the passing game – catching 16/18 targets for 100 yards this season, and spectacular blocks that save quarterback Tyler Shough from pressure! And now, the "blockbuster" reveal: That's Devin Neal, the rookie RB who's turning the Saints into a "youth whirlwind"! The Saints' 2025 draft class is truly a "gold mine," with Neal emphasizing that through his impressive performance. With no timeline for Kamara's return, Neal will continue to be used more – which isn't a bad thing at all, as he's making the most of the opportunity that Miller never got! But the peak? Legendary Drew Brees, the icon of the Saints, has lavished praise on Neal during a Netflix broadcast! Brees emotionally shared: "Devin Neal has shown incredible consistency in his rookie season, and he's proving himself to be an important part of the Saints' future – a true talent that reminds me of the golden days!" Praise from "King" Brees not only elevates Neal but also ignites hope for Saints fans: Could this guy be the "perfect replacement" for Kamara? With his role growing larger, Neal is the shining bright spot, turning opposing defenses into a "joke" and pushing the Saints closer to the playoffs! Don't miss out – the Saints are "transforming" thanks to the new generation, and Neal is the "explosive trigger"! Follow now for the next drama in the 2025 NFL!