Cardinals Activate WR DeAndre Hopkins, Waive K Matt Ammendola
The Cardinals’ wide receiver situation has changed considerably this year. Trades and unavailability keep updating Kyler Murray‘s aerial personnel, but his top weapon is on his way back.
Arizona activated DeAndre Hopkins on Monday, waiving kicker Matt Ammendola to make room on its 53-man roster. Hopkins, who served a six-game PED suspension, will begin his third Cardinals season Thursday night against the Saints.
Kliff Kingsbury said Hopkins is not expected to be on a snap count. That will be good news for a scuffling Cardinals offense and a receiving chomping at the bit to resume his career. Hopkins, 30, has not played since Week 13 of last season.
This offseason brought in Marquise Brown, acquired for a package headlined by a first-round pick, but the Brown-Hopkins tandem’s crossover continues to be delayed. Hopkins’ May PED ban meant Brown would be bumped up in Arizona’s receiver hierarchy, and just as Hopkins returns, Brown will miss several weeks due to a foot fracture. The Cardinals have played without A.J. Green and Rondale Moore for stretches and lost Antoine Wesley for the season due to a quadriceps tear. Brown’s injury prompted the Cards to swing a trade for Robbie Anderson.
Arizona’s 22nd-ranked offense produced just three points against a struggling Seahawks defense; Hopkins’ availability will be critical to potential improvement. Hopkins only missed two games during his seven-season Texans tenure — a span that produced three straight first-team All-Pro nods — and caught a career-high 115 passes for 1,407 yards in a second-team All-Pro slate to start his Cardinals career. But a hamstring injury and an MCL sprain limited the star pass catcher to 11 games in 2021. That significantly affected the Cards’ offense, and another late-season swoon commenced.
Hopkins’ contract runs through 2024. His $27.25MM-per-year average made a notable impact on the receiver market this year, but the 10th-year veteran’s cap number spikes from $15.7MM in 2022 to $30.75MM in 2023. The Cards could adjust that, as no void years are presently attached to this deal, but some questions have emerged about Hopkins’ status with the team beyond this season. For now, however, it will be all systems go for Hopkins, who will team with Anderson as the 2-4 Cardinals attempt to move back on track.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/17/22
Today’s minor moves around the league:
Buffalo Bills
- Released: LB Andre Smith
Carolina Panthers
- Signed (off Cardinals’ practice squad): LB Chandler Wooten
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: LS Mitchell Fraboni, S Anthony Harris
Green Bay Packers
- Claimed off waivers (from Colts): OL Luke Tenuta
Houston Texans
- Designated for return: TE Teagan Quitoriano
Kansas City Chiefs
- Waived: DB Dicaprio Bootle
Los Angeles Chargers
- Elevated: WR Michael Bandy, T Foster Sarell
Miami Dolphins
- Placed on IR: CB Nik Needham (story)
Minnesota Vikings
- Activated from reserve/PUP list: WR Blake Proehl
- Waived: S Myles Dorn
New Orleans Saints
- Waived: WR Kawaan Baker
New York Jets
- Promoted: T Mike Remmers
- Released: T Conor McDermott
Tennessee Titans
- Signed (off Jaguars’ practice squad): S Josh Thompson
- Placed on IR: LB Ola Adeniyi
Cardinals To Acquire WR Robbie Anderson From Panthers
One day after his noteworthy mid-game exit, many expected Panthers wideout Robbie Anderson to be suiting up for a new team in the very near future. To little surprise, Carolina has indeed moved on, trading him to the Cardinals (Twitter link via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport). ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweets that the Panthers will receive a 2024 sixth-round pick, along with a seventh-rounder in 2025. 
Anderson was sent to the locker room by interim head coach Steve Wilks after multiple heated exchanges on the sidelines. The incident was precipitated by Anderson being taken off the field prior to a third-down play, something which led to him saying after the game that he was “confused” by the move. While he publicly stated that he would be willing to remain in Carolina, it was widely expected that Sunday’s loss to the Rams would mark his final game with the Panthers.
The former UDFA spent four years with the Jets to begin his career. His prowess as a deep threat (averaging 14.8 yards per catch), along with his chemistry with Sam Darnold, led to heightened expectations upon his arrival in Carolina. Reunited with Matt Rhule, his coach at Temple, Anderson posted career-highs in receptions (95) and yards (1,046) in 2020.
The 29-year-old has not been able to match those totals since, however. Last season, Anderson’s receiving totals fell to 519 yards; in 2022, he has posted 206 on 13 catches. Especially after Rhule was fired last week, then, Anderson began to be shopped by the Panthers and was considered a likely trade candidate. As Rapoport’s colleague Tom Pelisero tweets, the Cardinals will be responsible for the remaining $690K in Anderson’s 2022 salary, though he is also under contract for next year at a cap hit of $21.7MM.
From Arizona’s perspective, this move provides depth to a WR room which is in flux. All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins is set to return from his PED suspension, which is expected to provide a significant boost to the team’s offense. However, top deep threat Marquise Brown was seen in a walking boot after yesterday’s loss to the Seahawks, leaving his availability in the short-term future in question. Schefter notes that further testing will be required later today to determine the extent of the offseason trade acquisition’s absence (Twitter link).
With a notable role seemingly available for him right away, Anderson can begin his Arizona tenure as early as this Thursday against the Saints. Given the Cardinals’ struggles finding consistency on offense, he could play a part in stabilizing the team’s passing game while looking to rebuild his value.
Cardinals Activate QB Colt McCoy From IR
OCTOBER 16: Arizona has not, in fact, cut McSorley, per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network (via Twitter). Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network adds that the team made the announcement in error and subsequently deleted it (Twitter link). So at least for the time being, the Cards have three QBs on their active roster in Murray, McCoy, and McSorley.
OCTOBER 15: The Cardinals’ preferred backup quarterback will be available for the first time this season. The team activated Colt McCoy from IR and released quarterback Trace McSorley.
McCoy battled multiple issues in the weeks leading up to the season, dealing with arm soreness during training camp before suffering a strained calf. The Cardinals brought McCoy over from the Giants last year, and that move went a long way toward snapping Arizona’s playoff drought.
Initially signed to a one-year deal in 2021, McCoy reupped with the Cards on a two-year, $7.5MM accord this offseason. The Cardinals gave the 13th-year veteran $6MM fully guaranteed, doing well to entrench McCoy as Kyler Murray‘s top backup. McSorley impressed during the preseason and has held that gig through five games, but he is not part of Arizona’s roster for the time being. It should expected, however, that the Cardinals will circle back to McSorley via a practice squad spot next week.
McCoy, 36, started three games with the Cards last season, which included McCoy-led wins over the 49ers and Seahawks. The former Browns draftee spent much of his career in Washington and was with the Giants in 2020. He completed 74.7% of his passes in those Murray fill-in starts last season. Both of McCoy’s victories as a 2021 starter came without DeAndre Hopkins, who was out due to injury for much of last season.
The Cards also promoted running back Corey Clement to their 53-man roster. Signed to Arizona’s practice squad this week, Clement will be needed to help a decimated backfield. James Conner, Darrel Williams and Jonathan Ward. Williams suffered an MCL sprain, while Conner may be sidelined for multiple games due to a rib injury.
The Cardinals also released linebacker Devon Kennard, though they have made that move before this year. Kennard, a Phoenix native, returned to the team after being released ahead of the August 30 roster cutdown. Kennard, 31, did start last week’s game and could be brought back soon. As a vested veteran, the ninth-year linebacker will bypass waivers next week. Wide receiver Javon Wims is also now on Arizona’s active roster.
Cardinals RB James Conner Could Miss Multiple Weeks
The Cardinals could be without their top running back for a bit. Sources tell Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com that James Conner is expected to miss Sunday’s game against the Seahawks and “perhaps additional time.”
Conner suffered a rib injury in Week 5 that limited him to only 35 percent of his team’s offensive snaps. The veteran RB started each of Arizona’s first five games, collecting 303 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown on 68 touches. This came a season after Conner finished with 18 total touchdowns.
It’s unfortunate timing for the Cardinals, as backup running back Darrel Williams is currently sidelined with a knee injury. The team also recently placed RB Jonathan Ward on injured reserve after he suffered a hamstring injury, leaving the team with a depleted depth chart at the position.
Eno Benjamin should get the bulk of the snaps at running back. The second-year player has seen time in all five of Arizona’s games this season, collecting 233 yards from scrimmage and one score. The team also recently added Ty’Son Williams and Corey Clement to the practice squad, and there’s a good chance at least one of those players will join the active roster for this weekend’s contest.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/12/22
Today’s practice squad transactions:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: WR Andre Baccellia, WR Laquon Treadwell
- Placed on IR: RB Jonathan Ward
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: CB Daryl Worley
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: DE Khalid Kareem
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: TE Miller Forristall
Denver Broncos
- Signed: LS Joe Fortunato, LB Jonathan Kongbo
Detroit lions
- Signed: WR Maurice Alexander
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: LB Rashod Berry, DL Jeremiah Ledbetter
New England Patriots
- Signed: LB Calvin Munson
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: RB Jake Funk
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: CB Duke Dawson
- Released: RB Jason Huntley
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: RB Marlon Mack, K Samuel Sloman
- Released: QB Kurt Benkert
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: CB Xavier Crawford
- Released: DE Jabari Zuniga
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: LB Ulysees Gilbert, CB Quandre Mosely
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/12/22
Today’s minor NFL transactions:
Arizona Cardinals
- Promoted: K Matt Ammendola, S Chris Banjo
Chicago Bears
- Designated to return: OL Alex Leatherwood
Cleveland Browns
- Waived: CB Thomas Graham Jr.
Green Bay Packers
- Designated to return: RB Kylin Hill
Houston Texans
- Signed to active roster: TE Jordan Akins
- Placed on IR: DT Michael Dwumfour
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed to active roster: DL Corey Peters
Kansas City Chiefs
- Promoted: DT Taylor Stallworth
- Waived: DE Benton Whitley
- Designated to return: CB Trent McDuffie
Miami Dolphins
- Designated to return: OT Austin Jackson
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed to active roster: RB Tevin Coleman
- Designated to return: LB Curtis Robinson
Seattle Seahawks
- Released from IR: CB John Reid
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/11/22
Today’s practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: RB Ty’Son Williams
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: WR Ra’Shaun Henry
- Released: CB Ka’dar Hollman
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: DB Ja’Marcus Ingram, WR KeeSean Johnson
- Released: WR Jaquarii Roberson
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: TE Seth Green
- Released: LS Tucker Addington
Denver Broncos
- Signed: LS Mitchell Fraboni
- Released: WR Darrius Shepherd, WR Vyncint Smith
Detroit Lions
- Signed: K Sam Ficken
Houston Texans
- Signed: DL Micah Dew-Treadway, OT K.C. McDermott
- Released: TE Nick Eubanks
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: OL Ty Nsekhe
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Released: DL Israel Antwine
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: CB Tyler Hall, WR Tyron Johnson
- Released: DB Darren Evans
New England Patriots
- Released: OL Sebastian Gutierrez
New York Jets
- Signed: WR/KR Diontae Spencer
- Released: OL Grant Hermanns
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: LB David Anenih
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: DT T.Y. McGill, K Sam Sloman
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: LB Ulysees Gilbert
Cardinals To Sign RB Corey Clement
Dealing with some backfield injury trouble, the Cardinals auditioned a few veterans and tried to make a waiver claim. The team’s early-week process will end with Corey Clement‘s arrival.
Clement will join Arizona’s practice squad, according to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero (on Twitter). The former Eagle was part of a running back workout that also included Devontae Booker, Ty’Son Williams, Trey Edmunds and T.J. Pledger, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com tweets. The Cardinals also, per ESPN.com’s Field Yates (on Twitter), tried to claim Tony Jones Jr. off waivers from the Saints, joining the Broncos in that regard. The Seahawks’ waiver priority landed them Jones on Monday.
While Clement will have a tough time producing a more memorable NFL performance than his Super Bowl LII outing — his role as the Philly Special point man preceding a long touchdown reception in the Eagles’ upset victory — he has been in the league for five seasons now. Clement went to training camp with the Ravens this year but did not last with the team beyond mid-August, but he also auditioned for the Jaguars between that transaction and Tuesday’s.
Clement, 27, spent four season with the Eagles but played as a Cowboys backup in 18 games last season. He averaged 4.2 yards per carry (33 totes, 140 yards) with Dallas and played 61% of the NFC East champions’ special teams snaps. The former UDFA held a special teams role throughout his Philly tenure as well. He also surpassed 400 scrimmage yards during the 2017 and ’18 seasons, totaling eight touchdowns in that span. The Eagles’ ensuing Miles Sanders addition ended up bumping Clement down the depth chart.
James Conner, Darrel Williams and Jonathan Ward all left Week 5’s Cardinals-Eagles tilt with injuries, leaving Eno Benjamin as the last man standing. The Cards entered Tuesday without a running back on their 16-man practice squad.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/10/22
Today’s practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: TE Maxx Williams
- Released: WR C.J. Board
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: DT Kobe Smith
- Released: DT Christopher Hinton
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: S Jared Mayden
- Released: CB Ja’Marcus Ingram
Cleveland Browns
- Released: QB Josh Rosen
Denver Broncos
- Signed: LB Harvey Langi
- Released: TE Dominique Dafney
Houston Texans
- Signed: KC McDermott
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: CB Tino Ellis, DT Jaylen Twyman
- Released: CB Chris Steele, DT Markaviest Bryant
New York Giants
- Signed: WR Robert Foster
Rosen’s short stint with the sixth NFL franchise of his career has come to an end, for now. Rosen joined the Browns in the offseason and battled with Joshua Dobbs and Kellen Mond for backup positions behind temporary starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett while Deshaun Watson fulfills his 11-game suspension. Rosen lost out to Dobbs and Mond, eventually signing on to Cleveland’s practice squad, where he’s stayed until now. Rosen will likely continue to search for a team that he fits with, since he does not have to clear waivers as a vested veteran. It may behoove him to contact two teams he has a history with as both San Francisco and Miami have suffered injuries in their quarterback rooms.