Training camp was always going to be different in 2020 thanks to the coronavirus, and that includes camp lists.
The Cardinals pitched 10 players on Sunday to cut their roster to 80, a mandatory number under the adjusted collective bargaining agreement. The 10 cuts were mostly un-recruited rookies featured in the following April draft, but not all:
- OLB Vontarrious Dora
- QB Drew Anderson
- FROM TJ Carter
- OL Jackson Dennis
- OL Drew Dickinson
- TE Parker Houston
- WR Shane Leatherbury
- WR Devin Phelps
- CB Jarren Williams
- CB Bejour Wilson
Dora has been with the Cardinals back and forth the past two seasons. Anderson passed training camp with the Cardinals as a rookie and was brought back late last season, but with CFL quarterback Chris Streveler’s signature, his chance was likely limited. The Cardinals now have three quarterbacks on the list, with Streveler, Kyler Murray, and Brett Hundley. Last season, the Cardinals had just two quarterbacks on the 53-player roster for most of the season.
The rest of the cut list is part of this year’s undrafted rookie class.
The teams had the option to cut the list now or wait until August 16. The idea behind the 80-man roster is the ability to break the team into four groups of 20 for various workouts, reducing the chance of spreading the coronavirus. Since teams must also create locker rooms six feet apart, it also facilitates the ability to meet that requirement. With more than 80 players, teams would be required to have split squad practices. With 80, everyone can practice together.
Given the limitations of training camp practices, the elimination of preseason games, and the loss of all offseason work, it will be much more difficult for any undrafted rookie or player on the sidelines to push for a roster. place anyway.
