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Cards add running back, offensive lineman

With Javarris James (abductor) ailing, Beanie Wells (knee) still on the PUP list and Ryan Williams — who rested Tuesday, sitting out practice as his rehab continues — still a question whether he will play Sunday in the Hall of Fame game, the Cardinals signed an extra back. Thomas Clayton, who has 29 yards on 15 carries in six career games with three teams, was inked Wednesday. The Cardinals also added guard Rich Ohrnberger, who was drafted by the Patriots in 2009.

To make room on the roster, the Cardinals released wide receiver Stanley Arukwe and waived-injured center Ryan Bartholomew.

Clayton was a sixth-round pick of the 49ers in 2007 out of Kansas State. He has spent time with the Browns, Seahawks and Patriots as well. I wouldn’t expect this to be any more than a let’s-get-through-the-next-game-or-two kind of move. Ohrnberger could be more intriguing given the uncertain depth on the interior line, but like Russ Hochstein, we’ll see how he fits in.

With the undrafteds, the better Devil?

There was plenty of pre-draft talk about Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict and where he might land (and for those who don’t know, Burfict was the one-time first-round candidate who ended up going undrafted and signing with the Bengals.) But for all of Burfict’s hype, many thought he wasn’t even the best linebacker at ASU. That nod usually went to Colin Parker, who was one of 17 undrafted rookie free agents the Cards came to terms with:

• WR Stanley Arukwe, Troy
• LB Broderick Binns, Iowa
• WR LaRon Byrd, Miami
• G Braeden Clayson, Idaho State
• FB Jared Crank, Purdue
• G Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech
• DE Tevita Finau, Utah
• S Blake Gideon, Texas
• WR Tre Gray, Richmond
• LB Marcus McGraw, Houston
• LB Zach Nash, Sacramento State
• CB James Nixon, California (Pa.)
• DE Conrad Obi, Colorado
• LB Paul Vassallo, Arizona
• C Scott Wedige, Northern Illinois
• WR Marc Wilson, St. Anselm

And, of course, Parker from ASU.

The list is heavy on linebackers, not a shock after the team did not draft one this past weekend. The number brings the roster total to 85 86 (since apparently I can’t add 69 and 17), leaving five four spots still open for additions, whether they are veterans or otherwise. Because of the rookie minicamp in two weeks, the Cards will also be bringing in a handful of other young players for tryouts, making sure they have enough bodies to run the practices and taking a looksee at some guys.