Cardinals Sign RB Damien Williams
Damien Williams signed with the Raiders in August, joining the team as Josh Jacobs stayed away from training camp. But Williams’ first workout this summer came in Arizona. Released by the Raiders in August, Williams will circle back to the Cardinals.
The Cards are adding Williams on a practice squad deal, per a team announcement. The former Chiefs Super Bowl starter worked out for the Cardinals in late July. This signing comes as backup Keaontay Ingram is battling a neck injury.
Although Williams is 31, he has only totaled 490 career touches. Most of those came with Kansas City. The ex-Miami backup is best known for seeing Kareem Hunt‘s midseason dismissal lead to a significant shakeup in the Chiefs’ 2018 backfield. Williams was soon the starter in Kansas City’s first Patrick Mahomes-directed offense. The veteran running back proved a capable fill-in during the regular season and shined in both the 2018 and ’19 playoffs. In five games between those two winters, Williams totaled 10 touchdowns. Two of those came in Super Bowl LIV, a game in which Williams posted 133 yards from scrimmage.
In the years since, Williams reverted to his pre-Kansas City usage. The former UDFA caught on with the Bears and Falcons, respectively, after opting out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns. In those two seasons, however, Williams accumulated just 58 touches. A rib injury led the Falcons to place Williams on IR in September 2022 and later release him with an injury settlement.
For a third straight year, James Conner is operating as Arizona’s lead back. Not much was expected from the Cardinals’ Kyler Murray-less offense this season, but the team has played each of its four opponents close and emerged with a Week 3 upset win over the Cowboys. Conner has logged 62 carries this season, while Ingram — a second-year backup — has taken 12 handoffs. Rookie UDFA Emari Demercado (four carries) resides as the Cards’ third-stringer.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/4/23
Today’s minor moves from around the league:
Arizona Cardinals
- Designated for return from IR: OL Dennis Daley
- Designated for return from NFI: CB Garrett Williams
Atlanta Falcons
Baltimore Ravens
- Designated for return from IR: RB Keaton Mitchell
Carolina Panthers
- Designated for return from IR: TE Stephen Sullivan
Denver Broncos
- Signed to active roster: RB Dwayne Washington
- Designated to return from IR: S P.J. Locke
- Designated to return from PUP: OLB Baron Browning
Houston Texans
- Signed to active roster: DE Derek Rivers
Los Angeles Chargers
- Claimed off waivers (from Broncos): CB Essang Bassey
- Waived: DT Christopher Hinton
Miami Dolphins
- Designated for return from IR: G Robert Jones
- Designated for return from PUP: CB Nik Needham
New York Jets
- Designated for return from IR: T Carter Warren
- Designated for return from PUP: S Jarrick Bernard-Converse
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed to active roster: TE Rodney Williams
Tennessee Titans
- Signed to active roster: TE Kevin Rader
Mitchell could be a key piece back for Baltimore in the offensive backfield. After the season loss of running back J.K Dobbins, the Ravens have been operating with a committee that includes Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, Melvin Gordon, and Kenyan Drake. While just an undrafted rookie, Mitchell could immediately relieve the need for the use of Gordon or Drake off the practice squad. The East Carolina product flashed serious potential in the preseason and led the FBS last year with 54 runs of 10 or more yards.
Denver will certainly be hoping to add Browning back to its ailing defense soon. Especially with Randy Gregory finding himself off the roster today, Browning’s pass-rushing ability could be just what the team needs to get its defense back on track.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/3/23
Today’s practice squad transactions:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: DT Phil Hoskins
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: WR Frank Darby
- Placed on IR: TE Parker Hesse
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: DB DeAndre Houston-Carson, CB Tre Swilling, TE Eric Tomlinson
- Released: WRDontay Demus Jr.
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: CB Herb Miller
- Released: WR Marcell Ateman
Chicago Bears
- Signed: CB Christian Matthew
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: WR Kendric Pryor
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: LB Mikel Jones
Denver Broncos
- Released: WR Michael Bandy
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: S Christian Young
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: CB Darren Hall
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: CB Mark Milton, WR Freddie Swain
New York Giants
- Released: RB Taiwan Jones
New York Jets
- Signed: CB Kalon Barnes, CB Tae Hayes, DB Craig James
- Released: OL Chris Glaser, OT Cedric Ogbuehi, CB Nehemiah Shelton
Philadelphia Eagles
- Released: LB Kyron Johnson
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: OT Obinna Eze
- Released: RB Greg Bell, WR Jalen Camp
Taiwan Jones will now look to catch on elsewhere after getting let go by the Giants. The veteran joined New York’s practice squad back in August and was elevated for the first two games of the season, with Jones returning one kick and one punt. It’s been a bit since Jones last contributed on offense, but the veteran was a reliable special teams player for the Bills for half a decade (two stints).
Cardinals Waive P Nolan Cooney, Sign P Blake Gillikin
The Cardinals are shaking it up at the punter position. The team announced that they’ve waived Nolan Cooney and replaced him with free agent Blake Gillikin.
Cooney earned the starting gig during training camp, beating out Matt Haack to be the replacement for veteran Andy Lee. While Cooney has only landed two of his 13 punts inside the opponent’s 20, he did average 45.5 yards per punt and a 40.3-yard net this year. However, Cooney’s performance this past weekend may have forced the Cardinals’ hand. The punter averaged only 39 yards (31 net) on his three punts.
So, in comes Gillikin. The Penn State product spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons with the Saints, averaging 47 yards per punt (41.4 net) while landing 61of his 160 punts inside the opponent’s 20. Lou Hedley ended up beating out Gillikin for the starting gig in New Orleans during the preseason, leading to the veteran’s release.
The Cardinals weren’t done making moves today, with the team also announcing that they’ve signed safety Joey Blount to the active roster. Blount joined Arizona’s practice squad last month after getting let go by the Seahawks. The former UDFA got into 11 games for Seattle last season, finishing with eight tackles while exclusively playing on special teams.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/2/23
Today’s taxi squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Released: DL Jacob Slade
Cincinnati Bengals
- Released: QB Reid Sinnett
Detroit Lions
- Signed: WR Trey Quinn
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: TE Noah Togiai
Minnesota Vikings
- Released: DL Junior Aho
New Orleans Saints
- Released: LB Terrell Lewis
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/2/23
Monday’s minor moves around the league:
Arizona Cardinals
- Released: CB Kris Boyd, OL Ilm Manning, CB Christian Matthew
Detroit Lions
- Reinstated from suspension: WR Jameson Williams
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Reinstated from suspension: LT Cam Robinson
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Waived: WR Dez Fitzpatrick
Seattle Seahawks
- Elevated: WR Cody Thompson, CB Lance Boykin
Tennessee Titans
- Reinstated from suspension: T Nicholas Petit-Frere
As part of the new terms regarding the NFL’s gambling policy, players hit with six-game bans for gambling on non-NFL events while at team facilities have seen their suspensions reduced. As a result, Williams and Petit-Frere will be able to return as early as Week 5. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network notes that each player will receive a one-week roster exemption, after which they will need to be activated.
The same holds true of Robinson, who was suspended for the season’s opening month due to a PED violation. That ban cost the 27-year-old over $3.5MM in salary and voided the remaining guarantees in his deal, which runs through 2024. The Jaguars have had an up-and-down start to the season on offense, but the unit has fared well in pass protection so far with only eight sacks allowed. Still, Robinson’s return to the blindside will be welcomed in Jacksonville.
QB Notes: Watson, Pickett, Herbert, Cards
After a Week 3 bounce-back effort, Deshaun Watson sat out Week 4 due to a shoulder injury. The Browns endured a 28-3 loss. While Kevin Stefanski said the team is on the same page with its high-priced quarterback medically, the fourth-year HC added (via cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot) Watson was cleared to play against the Ravens.
“He knows is body, he’s played through serious pain before, very, very serious injuries,” Stefanski said. “It wasn’t a matter of pain tolerance. He just did not feel like he had his full faculties.”
The 2022 trade acquisition had missed one game due to injury since the ACL tear that ended his 2017 rookie season, being sidelined for a 2019 contest. The Browns, who saw Watson predecessor Baker Mayfield struggle when playing through a shoulder injury in 2021, traded away their Watson backup — Josh Dobbs — just before the regular season, leading to rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson taking the keys.
Here is the latest from the QB landscape:
- After limping off the field in Houston, Kenny Pickett received good news upon going through an MRI. The second-year Steelers QB did not sustain serious damage to his knee, per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac. Pickett sustained a bone bruise and a muscle strain, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, but he has a chance to play this week. With the Steelers’ bye in Week 6, it would make sense for the team to hold its starter out. Mitchell Trubisky, who signed an offseason extension, remains in place as Pickett’s backup. After being usurped by the 2022 first-rounder, Trubisky was needed after Pickett sustained two concussions as a rookie.
- The Chargers also received fairly good news on their starter. Justin Herbert is not expected to miss time after suffering a finger injury in Week 4. That said, Rapoport notes Herbert did suffer a finger break on his nonthrowing hand. Herbert playing through early-season injuries is, of course, nothing new. The star passer battled rib trouble after a Week 2 injury last year. The Bolts’ franchise centerpiece has never missed a game due to injury.
- With Kyler Murray not particularly close to returning, Dobbs’ unexpected starter run will continue. The Cardinals pursued Dobbs in free agency, and Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com notes the team made him an offer to rejoin OC Drew Petzing. While Dobbs preferred a Cleveland return, he ended up back with Petzing — the Browns’ QBs coach last season — in Arizona via the “out of the blue” Cards trade offer. Dobbs became Arizona’s surprise starter due partially to the new staff’s concerns about Colt McCoy‘s lack of mobility, per Urban. McCoy, 37, did not impress as the starter during training camp. Murray’s two-year backup, who had signed a two-year deal worth $6MM in 2022, remains a free agent.
Minor NFL Transactions: 9/30/23
Saturday’s gameday elevations and other minor moves ahead of tomorrow’s slate of Week 4 games:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: RB Corey Clement, DL Eric Banks
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: DL Timmy Horne
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: RB Melvin Gordon, WR Laquon Treadwell
Carolina Panthers
- Elevated: CB Dicaprio Bootle, S Matthias Farley
Chicago Bears
- Elevated: DB A.J. Thomas
Cincinnati Bengals
- Elevated: TE Tanner Hudson
Cleveland Browns
- Elevated: TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden, QB P.J. Walker
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed to active roster: C Brock Hoffman
- Elevated: LB Malik Jefferson, TE Sean McKeon
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: LB Ben Niemann, RB Dwayne Washington
Houston Texans
- Signed to active roster: DT Khalil Davis, T Austin Deculus
- Released: S DeAndre Houston-Carson
- Elevated: T Geron Christian, OL Jimmy Morrissey
Indianapolis Colts
- Elevated: G Ike Boettger, WR Amari Rodgers
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Elevated: TE Jacob Harris
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: LB Cole Christiansen
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed to active roster: LB Kana’i Mauga
- Placed on IR: LB Curtis Bolton
- Elevated: CB Tyler Hall, OLB Malik Reed
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed to active roster: S Dean Marlowe, S A.J. Finley
- Placed on NFI list: C Corey Linsley (story), S JT Woods
- Elevated: WR Keelan Doss, DE Andrew Former
Los Angeles Rams
- Elevated: RB Royce Freeman, WR Austin Trammell
Miami Dolphins
- Signed to active roster: WR Robbie Chosen, LB Cameron Goode
- Elevated: DE Chase Winovich
Minnesota Vikings
- Elevated: WR N’Keal Harry
New England Patriots
- Elevated: DT Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
New Orleans Saints
- Elevated: S Johnathan Abram, CB Cameron Dantzler
New York Jets
- Elevated: OL Chris Glaser
Philadelphia Eagles
- Elevated: S Tristin McCollum, P Braden Mann
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Elevated: P Brad Wing
San Francisco 49ers
- Elevated: CB Kendall Sheffield, WR Willie Snead
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Elevated: CB Keenan Isaac, LB J.J. Russell
Tennessee Titans
- Elevated: CB Shyheim Carter, TE Kevin Rader
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: RB Derrick Gore
Walker’s elevation comes amidst a degree of uncertainty regarding Deshaun Watson‘s Sunday availability. The latter is dealing with a shoulder injury, but he has expressed confidence he will be able to suit up. In the event he is unable to play, though, Walker will provide insurance under center. NFL Network’s James Palmer reports Watson will be a game-time decision.
Chosen, formerly Robbie Anderson, made his Dolphins debut in Week 3, scoring a 68-yard touchdown on his only catch. His performance – along with other depth wideouts currently being sidelined for Miami – will give the 30-year-old a longer look with his new team.
Gore’s elevation will give him the chance to see regular season game action for the first time since 2021. The former UDFA recorded 361 scrimmage yards with the Chiefs that season, but a subsequent IR stint marked the end of his time in Kansas City. Gore has since spent time on the Saints’, and now Commanders’, taxi squads. Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post notes that fellow depth back Chris Rodriguez has bee ruled out with an illness, opening the door to Gore seeing limited snaps.
No Return Imminent For Cardinals’ Kyler Murray
Players who began the 2023 season on the PUP list are eligible to be activated as early as Week 5. That will not be the case for the Cardinals as it pertains to their starting quarterback, however. 
Kyler Murray is not expected to resume practicing in the coming days, and his return is believed to be “weeks away,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Players on IR or the PUP list can only return to practice when their three-week activation window has been opened, so today’s update means the Cardinals will proceed with caution with their franchise passer.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon indicated last week that Murray may not resume practicing at the first opportunity, so this news comes as little surprise. More than nine months have transpired since Murray tore his ACL and ended his 2022 campaign. A return around the middle of this season has been mentioned as a realistic timeline, and Schefter’s colleague Josh Weinfuss confirms that is the “earliest” point at which Murray will likely next take the field in game action. Plenty could change in the coming days and weeks affecting that timeframe, of course.
Murray – whose presence Gannon has named as part of the reason he took the Cardinals’ head coaching gig this offseason – is on the books through 2028 as a result of the five-year, $230.5MM extension he signed last summer. Speculation picked up recently about a potential trade sending the former No. 1 pick out of Arizona in favor of the team starting over with another new QB in the draft, but Gannon has shot down such notions.
With Murray still squarely in the franchise’s plans, Joshua Dobbs remains in place as the Cardinals’ starter for the time being. Acquired via trade from the Browns in late August, the 28-year-old has put up a 72% completion percentage and has yet to throw an interception in three games to start the campaign. Those statistics have kept the Cardinals more competitive than expected in the early going, including an upset win over the Cowboys in Week 3. Dobbs will carry on in his QB1 duties for the foreseeable future with rookie Clayton Tune serving as his backup.
Schefter notes that Murray wants to return to action, encouraged by the performance of Gannon and the team so far. He has plenty of work remaining to reach the practice field, however, and for the time being he will stay sidelined. It will be interesting to see when the Cardinals deem Murray ready enough to open his activation window, and where the team finds itself at that point.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/26/23
Today’s practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: DL Jacob Slade, LB Davion Taylor
- Released: CB Quavian White
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: WR Tarik Black, WR Dontay Demus
- Released: G Kyle Fuller, FB Ben Mason
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: WR Matt Landers
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: RB Deon Jackson
- Released: RB Hassan Hall, DT Trysten Hill
Houston Texans
- Signed: OT Geron Christian
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: WR Chase Cota
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: S A.J. Finley
New England Patriots
- Released: CB William Hooper
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: WR Matt Landers
- Released: OL Jake Merritt
New York Jets
- Released: DB Craig James
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Released: CB Kalon Barnes
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: RB Jeremy McNichols
- Released: TE Troy Fumagalli
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: LB Otis Reese, WR Shi Smith
Geron Christian is back in Houston for his second stint with the team, as the lineman started eight of his 14 appearances for the Texans in 2021. The former Washington third-round pick spent the 2022 campaign with the Chiefs, where he mostly played on special teams in his 10 games.
A pair of notable running backs found jobs today. Deon Jackson joined the Browns practice squad after getting cut by the Colts last week. The RB started Week 1 for Indy, and he ultimately finished his stint with the team having collected 504 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns in 27 games. Meanwhile, Jeremy McNichols is heading to San Francisco after having spent the past two seasons as one of Derrick Henry‘s backups. The former fifth-round pick got into 30 games between 2021 and 2022, collecting 655 yards from scrimmage.