Roster reshuffling keeps Arizona Cardinals busy in week nine

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 20: Running back D.J. Foster #37 of the Arizona Cardinals during a NFL team training camp at University of State Farm Stadium on August 20, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 20: Running back D.J. Foster #37 of the Arizona Cardinals during a NFL team training camp at University of State Farm Stadium on August 20, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The Arizona Cardinals front office made several roster moves on the eve of the club’s matchup with the Miami Dolphins

On the Saturday before their week nine matchup, the general manager of the Arizona Cardinals was a busy little beaver. Steve Keim, the club’s top talent-evaluator, had to do some reshuffling of the roster in preparation for Sunday’s battle with the Miami Dolphins. Transactions were made that were designed to put the best possible product on the field for the eighth game of Arizona’s 2020 campaign.

One of the moves made by Keim and company involved Maxx Williams, the squad’s 26-year old tight end who had been sidelined since week one. The sixth-year veteran is back after recovering from the ankle injury that he suffered during the Cards opening-day victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The team’s offense has gotten very little out of the position this year, and are hoping that the return of Williams will result in some production out of the Cardinals non-threatening tight end spot.

To make room for Williams, Arizona parted ways with Jordan Thomas, the seldom-used former Houston Texans tight end. The 24-year old was signed to the Cards practice squad back in September, and totaled just one catch in four appearances after being called up later that month. Thomas did make his lone reception count, however, when he found the end zone from three yards out during a week-four loss to the Carolina Panthers.

To make up for running back Kenyan Drake‘s absence, the Cardinals elevated a pair of ball-carriers from their practice squad. D.J. Foster, acquired as a free agent back in 2017, offers some experience to Big Red’s backfield. Jonathan Ward, a rookie free agent out of Central Michigan, will also be available for head coach Kliff Kingsbury‘s scoring attack.

Arizona made two additions on the defensive side of the ball as well. Jace Whittaker, another rookie free agent, will provide depth at cornerback while Byron Murphy remains on the NFL’s Reserve/COVID-19 list. Defensive end Michael Dogbe, a 2019 draft selection out of Temple University, will dress for the first time this season.