The Cardinals have made multiple changes to their 53-man roster in advance of their divisional round game against the Packers, the team announced today in a press release. Arizona has placed outside linebacker Alex Okafor on the non-football injury list due to a toe issue, and placed defensive tackle Cory Redding on IR with an ankle injury.
To replace Okafor and Redding on the roster, the Cards have promoted inside linebacker Gabe Martin from their practice squad, and signed veteran outside linebacker Jason Babin, who recently worked out for the club.
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Okafor, who turns 25 next month, didn’t have the same impact in 2015 that he did in 2014, when he recorded a career-high eight sacks. However, the Texas product was still a key contributor on the Cardinals’ defense, starting 13 games and playing more defensive snaps than any other Arizona edge defender, so his absence will be felt. Since he landed on the NFI list rather than on IR, it appears his injury was sustained away from the team.
Redding was a part-time player for the Cardinals who didn’t play a huge role for the team this season, but did make a handful of big plays, recovering a pair of fumbles – including one for a touchdown – and grabbing an interception.
As for Babin, the 35-year-old has played for eight teams since being selected in the first round of the 2004 draft. The two-time Pro Bowler made 16 appearances (four starts) with the Jets in 2014, compiling 25 tackles and two sacks. New York released him in September and Babin caught on with the Ravens following a season-ending injury to Terrell Suggs. However, he was inactive for his first two games with Baltimore, and barely saw the field in his next two games, committing multiple penalties when he did play. He was cut by the Ravens in October.
*Divisional Round
Fixed, thanks.