On the roster bubble, these players absolutely could make the team, but it will be hard make the final 53.

Following the Arizona Cardinals‘ final preseason game Saturday, a 20-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, they must now make the necessary decisions to get the roster down to 53 players by Tuesday afternoon. As is the case each year, there are players who perhaps deserve to make the team, but it will be hard to keep them.

Because of more talent on the roster and with players potentially coming back from injury, some guys just are hard to keep.

Who are the players who perhaps deserve a spot on the roster, but will be hard to keep?

RB Michael Carter

Carter is a fan favorite and is also well respected by head coach Jonathan Gannon. He also makes plays every opportunity he is given.

However, as talented as he is, his value is only as a starting or complementary back.

He isn’t as good as James Conner as a starter. The team believes Trey Benson is a legitimate co-No. 1 RB.

Carter isn’t as good as a third-down back as Emari Demercado, and he isn’t as good on special teams than Demercado or DeeJay Dallas, and Dallas is the team’s primary kick returner.

DL P.J. Mustipher

Mustipher lost weight. He has done everything right. He is a good depth piece to have on the roster, but the Cardinals have a deep defensive line room. Calais Campbell, Dalvin Tomlinson, Darius Robinson, Dante Stills, Justin Jones and L.J. Collier would all make the team before Mustipher. If they keep seven and all those guys are healthy, he could make the roster, but then there is the return of Walter Nolen from PUP. If he comes back, there is no room for Mustipher.

OLB Xavier Thomas

The Cardinals have four outside linebackers that are locks — Josh Sweat, Zaven Collins, Baron Browning and rookie Jordan Burch, selected in the third round.

Keeping five outside backers is normal, so that leaves room for Thomas, or does it?

The wild card is BJ Ojulari, who is on PUP recovering from a torn ACL suffered more than a year ago. But if Ojulari is ready to come off PUP, Thomas is hard to keep on the roster.

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