Arizona Cardinals have assembled a talented practice squad
By Jim Koch
Newly implemented rule changes have enabled the Arizona Cardinals to put together one of the NFL’s most capable practice squads
The Arizona Cardinals, like the rest of the NFL, are rolling with the changes that COVID-19 has caused. One area of the club that has been affected by the coronavirus is the practice squad. New rules have been implemented with regards to that group that could quite possibly benefit the Cards in 2020.
Each of the league’s 32 teams can now store up to 16 players on it’s practice squad. That’s up from the 10 individuals that have been permitted to be stashed away since 2014. What’s more, up to six of the practice squad members, regardless of how many seasons they’ve accrued in the league, can now be deemed eligible for that unit.
Last week, Arizona’s front office signed veteran cornerback Prince Amukamara to the squad. The 31-year old has racked up 477 tackles,10 interceptions and 78 passes defensed in 113 professional appearances (99 starts). Amukamara has spent time with the New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears.
Amukamara isn’t the only experienced defensive back that the Cardinals have added to the practice squad contingent in the past month. On October 1st, the organization announced that T.J. Ward, a safety who has suited up for the Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, had agreed to a contract. The two-time Pro Bowler has accumulated 607 tackles, 8.5 sacks and 44 pass breakups in 107 career games (99 starts).
Also on the Cards current practice squad is a placekicker with 15 years of pro experience on his resume. Mike Nugent, a 38-year old who has dressed for eight NFL franchises, provides solid insurance for Zane Gonzalez. The Ohio native has booted 258 field goals and 378 extra points during his illustrious career.
Rounding out the Cardinals practice squad are wide receivers Andre Patton, A.J. Richardson and JoJo Ward, along with guard Koda Martin on offense. Other members on the defensive side of the ball include defensive end Michael Dogbe, inside linebacker Evan Weaver, safeties Kentrell Brice and Curtis Riley and cornerbacks Jalen Davis and Jace Whittaker.
It’s an impressive practice squad crew that Cards general manager Steve Keim and his cohorts have assembled. Whether any of their services will be needed this year remains to be seen.