Depth charts and number changes
Posted by on September 3, 2013 – 9:59 amThe first depth chart of the regular season — officially unofficial that it is — is out. Yes, the team puts one out but let’s face it, there is nothing making the coaches stay true to it, so as usual, there is a grain of salt aspect that must come with it. That said, Ryan Williams, after everything he went through in training camp, is still listed as the No. 2 running back behind Rashard Mendenhall. Stepfan Taylor is three, Alfonso Smith four, Andre Ellington fifth.
The rest of the chart doesn’t change much. Jim Dray is listed as a starter now with Rob Housler in the two-tight end sets. That’s no surprise. Dray has been the steadiest tight end the Cards have had. New tackle Bradley Sowell is listed as a right tackle, third on the depth chart behind Eric Winston and Bobby Massie. As always, you can view the whole chart here: http://www.azcardinals.com/team/depth-chart.html
— The Cardinals had a handful of jersey number changes too, the most significant being veteran linebacker John Abraham’s ability to go back to wearing No. 55. That comes compliments of fellow veteran LB Karlos Dansby, who will take the No. 56 of the departed Reggie Walker. Also changing were Winston, who takes No. 73 from No. 65, linebacker Jasper Brinkley, who takes No. 52 from No. 54, and safety Tony Jefferson, who goes to No. 22 from No. 36.
— UPDATE: The Cards filled out the final three spots on the practice squad with LB Kenny Demens (cut earlier this week), DT Anthony McCloud (cut by Minnesota) and WR Sam McGuffie (cut by Oakland).
— Don’t forget the first of weekly Tuesday chats today at 2 p.m. The link is right here.
— In case you missed it, here is a photo gallery from Larry Fitzgerald’s trip to Pitt last night to get his No. 1 jersey retired.
Tags: Anthony McCloud, depth chart, Eric Winston, Jasper Brinkley, jersey numbers, Jim Dray, John Abraham, Karlos Dansby, Kenny Demens, Larry Fitzgerald, practice squad, Rob Housler, Roster, Ryan Williams, Sam McGuffie, Tony Jefferson
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- Sep 4, 2013: Cardinals Blogs | “Third-string” Abraham and the pass rush
- Sep 4, 2013: Cardinals Blogs | Dansby wanted Abraham comfortable by the numbers
By nrdpmp on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
Just want to say it again Darren, thanks for all the work you put in to keep us updated. I really appreciate it.
By kauaicardsfan on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
Aloha Darren,
I know this is still in flux but who is the primary kick returner and punt returner?
Is Andre and PP? or is Tyrann now the punt returner?
Just curious?
Mahalo for all you do to keep us far away fans informed !
By Darren Urban on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
Kauai —
RE: KOR/PR
I expect it to be Arenas and Peterson.
By wampag on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
Hey D,
It’s been a while hope you had a great off season, I am super excited about this year and the new coach.
Okay so with Adrian Wilson placed on IR with the pats, for a hamstring??, they will probably do an injury settlement and cut him, is there any possibility of us seeing him back in CARDS RED?
By Darren Urban on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
Wampag —
RE: Adrian
Someday, Wilson will be back with the Cards in some capacity. But his time as a player is over.
By sarrott on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
Darren,
With the number changes, were you surprised that Jaron Brown is still wearing #13. I know it’s not retired, but it seems weird seeing someone other than Kurt wearing it. Hopefully nobody else ever wears #11 after Larry retires.
By Darren Urban on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
Sarrott —
RE: Brown and 13
No, not really. If he was going to wear it through camp, there is always a chance he’s going to keep it.
By wampag on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
Thanks D,
I was upset about Whiz and a lot of the changes and then from the time BA texted Dockett to now I am super excited, I really like this coach and I feel like he holds the players accountable which we needed, i also think we will finally have a running game and pray daily for Williams that kid deserves a full season. With that said, Adrian Wilson was the heart and he is always going to be missed for me, heck I still miss Plummer!
By joe holst on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
Darren,
Could Massie be headed over to Left Tackle?
By Darren Urban on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
Joe Holst —
RE: Massie
Would doubt it right now.
By Prescott Collin on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
Maybe I missed something here, but John Abraham is listed as third string… Is this correct? If so, I am going to cry in the corner….. by myself…..
By Darren Urban on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
Prescott —
RE: Abraham
He is in the No. 1 nickel package. He was never going to play every down. He’s there to rush the passer.
By mike on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
After such a good pre-season, are you surprised that Alfonso Smith was dropped to 4th on the depth chart? Or do you expect it to change by next week?
By Darren Urban on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
Mike —
RE: Alfonso
No. 1, I mentioned that I wasn’t sure how accurate the chart is. Also, there has never really been a lot of question of Ryan Williams talent. It’s staying healthy and right now, he is.
By Coach K on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
I heard we just signed Alameda Ta’amu. This kid is a BEAST at nose tackle. Our defensive line just got a huge upgrade.
By Corgon on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
I’m really happy for T. Jefferson.It’d be nice to see him next year as a starting SS. Of course he has to make a splash this year for it! GO CARDS!!!
By Ricky A on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
will daryl washington be in the starting lineup when he returns or will he be second string?
By Darren Urban on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
Ricky A —
RE: Washington
We will see. Four weeks is a long time.
By Andy Kw on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
Next year, this team will have to focus a lot on the draft (I know, you people are probably like why are you talking about the 2014 draft when this season hasn’t even started yet) :
1.) Strong Safety
-This team needs a true Safety which this team lacks. Rashad Johnson fits more of the free safety position than the strong safety position. This team needs a SS that is at least 6’1” tall, fast, and is good a cover man. Yeremiah Bell is an aging veteran that will play only this year as a Cardinal and is starting to slow down dramatically.
2.) Quarterback
-The 2014 NFL Draft will be filled with many top notch Quarterbacks such as Johnny Manziel, Josh Boyd and more. Look at what Cincinnati got out of QB Andy Dalton. Drew Stanton will probably remain a backup to Carson Palmer but I don’t see Ryan Lindley as the 3rd string QB after this season. Carson Palmer will take this team far this season and next season. He will mentor our future QB next season.
By credit card on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
Additional OL along with additional RBs and Corners = Better special team protection and speed on the field. Even though the ‘excess’ OL, RB’s, Corners on the squad may look goofy in terms of offensive and defensive schemes, but it does make sense for special teams, provides more skilled blockers along with a much faster all-round special team speed.
By Chris B on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
Darren,
Didn’t Kent Somers tweet out about Tony Jefferson when the Cards picked him up? I tried finding his tweet but Twitter doesn’t go back that far. Just curious if anyone else remembers that.
By Darren Urban on Sep 4, 2013 | Reply
Chris B —
RE: Tweets
I’m confused at what you are asking.
By ored on Sep 3, 2013 | Reply
college season has started,so the scouts are already doing due diligence.i’m sure certain positions are being highlighted,but it’s still going going to be the best player available,but some sort of trade can always alter who that is.hopefully we can focus on upgrading with youth and build on this years start.
By Chris B on Sep 4, 2013 | Reply
Back when tony Jefferson signed as an UDFA, Kent Somers tweeted that he was a great pick up and can play. Something about being a Sooner fan or something. It’s not important.
By Darren Urban on Sep 4, 2013 | Reply
Chris —
RE: Kent/Jefferson
Somers is a big Oklahoma fan. So he would know.