IMAGE: Dec 2, 2018; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks mascot Blitz performs during a football game against the San Francisco 49ers in the second half at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 43-16. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images / Imagn Images

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.