The Cardinals opened up two spots on the 53-man roster and one on the practice squad.
The Arizona Cardinals appear to be preparing for the return of some players from injury. They announced three player cuts on Tuesday.
They cut linebacker Jared Bartlett and punter Pat O’Donnell from the 53-man roster and defensive lineman Anthony Goodlow from the practice squad.
Bartlett was placed on waivers on Monday and, according to Tuesday’s NFL transaction report, he cleared waivers. He will likely sign back with the practice squad on Wednesday, filling the spot vacated by Goodlow.
O’Donnell’s release likely means that punter Blake Gillikin, who is on injured reserve, could be designated to return on Wednesday and begin practicing, likely to be activated this weekend before the Cardinals play the Jacksonville Jaguars at State Farm Stadium on Sunday.
Gillikin has been out since Week 5. Before he went on IR with a back injury, he was averaging a career-high 51.7 yards per punt and a career-high 45.4-yard net average. In five games, O’Donnell averaged 42.2 yards per punt with a 36.2-yard net average.
The question is who will be the second player to be added to the roster. Perhaps it will be running back Trey Benson, especially since Emari Demercado suffered a high ankle sprain on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers and is not expected to play this week.
Will there be announcements of players being designated to return? We will find out on Wednesday.
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