Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals have activated defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin to the active roster Saturday.

The Cardinals signed tight end Kory Sperry Tuesday.

The Cards cleared cap space by releasing reserve WR Chansi Stuckey. Stuckey had fallen down the team's depth chart.

Cardinals defensive lineman Darnell Dockett (hamstring) was cleared to play Week 9 at Green Bay. He was listed as probable on the injury report.

NFL.com reports that after investigating Daryl Washington for an alleged domestic dispute Wednesday, Phoenix police arrested the Cardinals linebacker. Washington has been booked on two counts of aggravated assault, according to Maricopa County court documents Friday. The charges stem from an incident in which a woman alleged that she was the victim of a domestic violence assault involving Washington. This has been a disastrous offseason for Washington. It was only a month ago that he was suspended four games for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. "This is a legal matter, and I am limited in what I can say other than that my lawyer and I will continue to cooperate with investigators and welcome the opportunity for all the facts to be presented," Washington said in a statement. "I regret that the situation has brought this kind of attention to my family and my team. I look forward to resolving it as soon as possible."

Suspension - Eligible to return Week 5

Arizona agreed to terms with former Pittsburgh DL Nick Eason on a two-year contract Thursday, according to ESPN. Eason, who spent the last four years with the Steelers, will be reunited with Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton from their years in Pittsburgh.

The Detroit Lions made their first round of cuts Monday and released the following players: wide receivers Jarett Dillard and Terrence Toliver; running backs James Bryant and Stephfon Green; defensive back Sean Jones; linebacker Slade Norris and defensive lineman Bobby Skinner.

The Cardinals official team website reports that the running back battle for the starting job between Rashard Mendenhall, Ryan Williams and rookies Stepfan Taylor and Andre Ellington could be wide open. “You really can’t tell until the lights come on,” coach Bruce Arians said. “... Until you turn the lights on, you really don’t know about them.” Mendenhall had his best years under Arians in Pittsburgh and now that he’s had so much time to recover from his knee issues – plus his one-year-need-to-prove-it contract – he could be primed for a rebound season. Williams seems certain he will be effective this year, after never being certain in his knee early last season before suffering his shoulder problem. If both come through, Taylor and Ellington won’t be needed. Even if they are, they have to show they are ready.

The Arizona Republic reports Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said Tuesday linebacker O'Brien Schofield will have surgery to repair a ligament in his left ankle and is out for the season. Schofield was hurt Week 9 against the Packers.

Cardinals defensive back James Sanders started in Week 3 against the Eagles with Adrian Wilson (ankle) inactive. While he recorded just one tackle, the 28-year-old made a huge play in the second quarter. On the final play of the first half, Michael Vick dropped back from the 1-yard line and was blindsided by Kerry Rhodes. Sanders picked up the loose ball and returned it 93 yards for a touchdown. It was Sanders' third career touchdown.

Notable players waived or released by the Lions Friday include: DE Everette Brown, DE Ugo Chinasa, WR Patrick Edwards, DT Andre Fluellen, TE Alex Gottlieb, WR Nate Hughes, S Reshard Langford, WR Lance Long, DE Edmon McClam, LB Carmen Messina, WR Wallace Miles, CB Justin Miller, DT Tracy Robertson, CB Alphonso Smith, WR Maurice Stovall, CB Ross Weaver and TE Austin Wells.

LSU linebacker Kevin Minter was picked by the Cardinals with the No. 45 overall choice in the NFL draft's second round Friday. Minter had a breakout season as a junior in 2012 with 130 tackles, including four sacks and 15 tackles for losses. He was was the third inside linebacker taken after Georgia's Alec Ogletree and Notre Dame's Manti Te'o. He became the third LSU player picked, all on the defensive side, and all coming off junior seasons. Defensive end Barkevious Mingo was the No. 6 pick by the Cleveland Browns and Eric Reid went No. 18 to the San Francisco 49ers.

The Colts said farewell to the following players on Friday: DE James Aiono, DT Chigbo Anunoby, LB Jerry Brown, RB Darren Evans, LB Tim Fugger, RB Deji Karim, CB Brandon King, LB Greg Lloyd, TE Kyle Miller, WR Kashif Moore, DB Mike Newton, WR Jeremy Ross, DT Jason Shirley, TE Andre Smith, LS Justin Snow and DB Latarrius Thomas.

The Cardinals released safety Kerry Rhodes while signing cornerback Jerraud Powers and safety Yeremiah Bell on Wednesday.

The Cardinals official team website reports that the running back battle for the starting job between Rashard Mendenhall, Ryan Williams and rookies Stepfan Taylor and Andre Ellington could be wide open. “You really can’t tell until the lights come on,” coach Bruce Arians said. “... Until you turn the lights on, you really don’t know about them.” Mendenhall had his best years under Arians in Pittsburgh and now that he’s had so much time to recover from his knee issues – plus his one-year-need-to-prove-it contract – he could be primed for a rebound season. Williams seems certain he will be effective this year, after never being certain in his knee early last season before suffering his shoulder problem. If both come through, Taylor and Ellington won’t be needed. Even if they are, they have to show they are ready.

The Cardinals promoted linebacker Zack Nash from the practice squad to the active roster Tuesday.

The Patriots claimed wide receiver Kerry Taylor off waivers from Minnesota on Monday and added him to the preseason roster. Taylor, who spent time on New England's practice squad last season, was released by the Vikings last week.

The Cardinals official team website reports that new quarterback Carson Palmer has been impressed with receiver Larry Fitzgerald during their brief work together this offseason. Palmer said Fitzgerald has been “exactly what I expected” after seeing his performances on video. "He’s working as hard in practice as he was in games,” Palmer said. “He’s a perfectionist, he wants to do things right every single times. He and I will get along great because I am the same way.” The passing attack in Arizona is changing under new coach Bruce Arians and Palmer, and Fitzgerald is even getting some time in the slot. “It’s of the utmost importance to be on the same page with Larry, but it’s of the utmost importance to be on the same page with every one of those guys because the ball can’t always go to him,” Palmer said. “I know that’s not what he wants to hear, but that’s the truth. There will be teams that key on him and there will be games where he doesn’t have as many catches as other games."

The official team website reports the Cardinals will move safety Justin Bethel to cornerback. Bethel said getting his weight back in order will help him make the transition.

The Arizona Cardinals announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive end Frostee Rucker on a one-year contract.

The Cardinals have used their third-round draft pick on LSU safety Tyrann Mathieu, filling a need in the secondary with a player with a checkered past. Arizona took one LSU player, linebacker Kevin Minter, in the second round and took a chance in the third by selecting the player known as the Honey Badger. Once considered a Heisman Trophy front-runner, Mathieu didn't play last season after Tigers coach Les Miles kicked him off the team for failing multiple drug tests. A close friend of Cardinals Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson, Mathieu spent the past few months trying to rehabilitate his image after being arrested in October with three former teammates for marijuana possession at his Baton Rouge apartment.

The Arizona Cardinals have agreed to terms with free agent cornerback Antoine Cason on a one-year deal.

The Cardinals released safety Kerry Rhodes while signing cornerback Jerraud Powers and safety Yeremiah Bell on Wednesday.

Cardinals TE Jim Dray caught two of the first three passes thrown his way in Week 9 against the Rams. Those two catches were his first of the year and were good for 25 yards. Dray saw action because Todd Heap, who was active, is still dealing with an injury. Arizona would win the game, 19-13.

Cardinals RB Chester Taylor was able to find the end zone for the first time this season in Week 17 against the Seahawks. Taylor was able to scamper in the end zone on a 1-yard run in the first quarter. He briefly left with an injury but did return to finish with 8 yards on three carries in the 23-20 win. Taylor also caught a pass for 6 yards.

Arizona defensive back Patrick Peterson left in the fourth quarter of Week 17 at San Francisco with a left hamstring injury and was unable to return, The Associated Press reports. Peterson, who leads the team with seven interceptions, had two tackles before departing.

The Cardinals have traded fullback Anthony Sherman to the Chiefs for cornerback Javier Arenas.

The Cardinals and Matt Shaughnessy have agreed to a one-year deal.

The Cardinals waived or released the following players Friday: cornerback Crezdon Butler, linebacker Antonio Coleman, safety Blake Gideon, linebacker Clark Haggans, defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin, linebacker Colin Parker, cornerback Larry Parker, wide receiver DeMarco Sampson, tight end Steve Skelton, running back Alfonso Smith, linebacker Quan Sturdivant, defensive end Ronald Talley, defensive end Everette Thompson, tight end Martell Webb and wide receiver Isaiah Williams.

Bruce Arians continues to heap praise on quarterback Carson Palmer, telling ESPN the veteran can still sling it. "He's tough as nails. As good a deep-ball thrower as I've ever seen. I mean really accurate on the deep ball. He still has it," Arians said. "What he did last year with the Raiders, in a crazy situation, I thought was very, very impressive."

Ribs - Probable for start of training camp

The Cardinals announced on Wednesday that they signed free agent QB Brodie Croyle to an undisclosed contract. To make room for him on the roster, the team waived-injured second-year QB Max Hall (shoulder). The BYU product will be placed on the injured reserve should he clear waivers.

The Cardinals placed running back Javarris James (torn ACL) and quarterback Richard Bartel (shoulder) on injured reserve Friday.

The Cardinals official team website reports that new coach Bruce Arians is fond of tight end Rob Housler. Arians said Housler was a player who, when Arians was with the Steelers, Arians thought about drafting and making a big wide receiver. Arians sees him as a mismatch for defenses.

The Cardinals have listed the following players as inactive for Week 16 against the Rams: FB Dan Kreider, TE Ben Patrick, WR Sean Morey, K Neil Rackers, QB Brian St. Pierre and S Hamza Abdullah.

New Cardinals coach Bruce Arians told the official team website he intends to give the quarterbacks currently on the roster a chance to stay with the club. Arians inherited a trio of passers with inconsistent track records: Kevin Kolb, John Skelton and Ryan Lindley. But just because they're there doesn't mean they'll start since the Cardinals have all offseason to look for replacements. "I'm sure that (general manager) Steve (Keim) and (vice president of player personnel) Jason (Licht) are going to be looking behind door number two," Arians said. "If door number two is a better option, we'll go to door number two."

Arizona defensive lineman Dan Williams posted a career-high 10 tackles, including six solo stops, during the Cardinals' 7-6 loss to the Jets in Week 13. Williams has now amassed 21 tackles over his past four games to increase his season output to 32 stops.

The Cardinals added cornerback Jamell Fleming (Oklahoma) and safety Justin Bethel (Presbyterian) to their defense in the NFL Draft. Fleming, a third-round pick, is a tough zone coverage cornerback. Bethel is a tweener who is also tough and has good speed but wasn't tested playing FCS-level competition. He's also a good kick blocker.

Arizona DB Michael Adams left in the third quarter of Week 10 against Philadelphia with a strained hamstring. Adams finished with five tackles, including one for a loss, before departing.

The Arizona Republic reports Saturday that the Cardinals will release wide receiver Early Doucet, in order to save $1.7 million on their salary cap. Doucet finished last season with just 207 yards on 28 catches.

The Raiders continued tweaking their roster Saturday in preparation for the regular season and signed defensive back Phillip Adams and linebacker Keenan Clayton. Oakland also waived defensive backs Chimdi Chekwa and Bryan McCann, and waived/injured defensive lineman Jamie Cumbie.

After all of coach Bruce Arians' comments about how he was comfortable with Drew Stanton as his starting quarterback, the coach has someone else to go with. On Tuesday the Raiders and Cardinals finalized a trade that sent Carson Palmer to the desert where he will likely start ahead of Stanton.

The Cardinals waived or released the following players Friday: cornerback Crezdon Butler, linebacker Antonio Coleman, safety Blake Gideon, linebacker Clark Haggans, defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin, linebacker Colin Parker, cornerback Larry Parker, wide receiver DeMarco Sampson, tight end Steve Skelton, running back Alfonso Smith, linebacker Quan Sturdivant, defensive end Ronald Talley, defensive end Everette Thompson, tight end Martell Webb and wide receiver Isaiah Williams.

The Cardinals official team website reports that the running back battle for the starting job between Rashard Mendenhall, Ryan Williams and rookies Stepfan Taylor and Andre Ellington could be wide open. “You really can’t tell until the lights come on,” coach Bruce Arians said. “... Until you turn the lights on, you really don’t know about them.” Mendenhall had his best years under Arians in Pittsburgh and now that he’s had so much time to recover from his knee issues – plus his one-year-need-to-prove-it contract – he could be primed for a rebound season. Williams seems certain he will be effective this year, after never being certain in his knee early last season before suffering his shoulder problem. If both come through, Taylor and Ellington won’t be needed. Even if they are, they have to show they are ready.

Shoulder - Probable for start of training camp

The Cardinals official team website reports that the running back battle for the starting job between Rashard Mendenhall, Ryan Williams and rookies Stepfan Taylor and Andre Ellington could be wide open. “You really can’t tell until the lights come on,” coach Bruce Arians said. “... Until you turn the lights on, you really don’t know about them.” Mendenhall had his best years under Arians in Pittsburgh and now that he’s had so much time to recover from his knee issues – plus his one-year-need-to-prove-it contract – he could be primed for a rebound season. Williams seems certain he will be effective this year, after never being certain in his knee early last season before suffering his shoulder problem. If both come through, Taylor and Ellington won’t be needed. Even if they are, they have to show they are ready.

After taking a physical with the Steelers but leaving without a contract, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette cites a team source suggesting Wells has a "bad wheel."

The Cardinals have re-signed linebacker Karlos Dansby to a one-year deal.

Cardinals defensive lineman Ronald Talley signed his exclusive-rights tender offer, making him a part of the roster.

Cardinals defensive back Rashad Johnson tallied three tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown during Arizona's 38-10 victory over Detroit in Week 15. Johnson returned an interception by Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford 53 yards in the second quarter -- the first pick-six the Cardinals recorded in the game. Defensive back Greg Toler also returned an interception 102 yards for a touchdown.

Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell has been ruled active for Week 16 against the Bears. He was listed on the injury report due to a lingering half injury.

In a blog post about whether or not Carson Palmer should have high expectations, the Cardinals' official team website reported second-year receiver Michael Floyd "has made a big leap -- at least at this point in the offseason -- from Year One to Year Two."

Cardinals linebacker Sam Acho, who just had an interception back in Week 7, recorded another Week 11 at Atlanta. He also had four tackles, including three solo, and a forced fumble.

Cardinals tight end Jeff King had knee surgery earlier this offseason and might miss the start of training camp according to the Arizona Republic.

Knee - Questionable for start of training camp

Cardinals LB Reggie Walker suffered a hamstring injury in Week 5 against the Saints and could miss some time. He was being examined Monday.

Cardinals TE Anthony Becht, TE Mike Leach and WR Sean Morey didn't record offensive statistics Week 12 at Tennessee.

The Redskins announced Sunday that they and the Cardinals reached an agreement to send RB Tim Hightower to Washington in exchange for DE Vonnie Holliday and a conditional late-round draft pick. Holliday had just 29 tackles in 15 games with the Redskins last year, though he notched 2 1/2 sacks in the process.

NFL.com reports linebacker Joey Porter will retire as a member of the Steelers.

Arizona rookie DL David Carter's first career sack forced a fumble, which was recovered by Darnell Dockett on Sunday. That set up an Arizona score against New York in Week 4, but the Cardinals would still lose the game, 31-27. Carter finished with three tackles, two solo, on the day.

Miami signed linebacker Mike Rivera and safety Jonathon Amaya on Tuesday, reports the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. The Dolphins released guard Ray Feinga and safety Troy Nolan to make room.

Receiver Stephen Williams (Achilles) and linebacker Brandon Williams (shoulder) were waived/injured by the Cardinals Friday.

The Cardinals released safety Kerry Rhodes while signing cornerback Jerraud Powers and safety Yeremiah Bell on Wednesday.

The Cardinals have signed linebacker Lorenzo Alexander, formerly of the Redskins. It sounds like he'll have the chance to start. "The Cardinals have already kind of pegged me in a starting role which is very exciting for me," the 30-year-old told CBS Washington. "I'll be a linebacker that helps out on special teams instead of special teams being my bread and butter. It’s going to allow me to grow as a player."

Exclusive rights free agent Alfonso Smith signed his one-year tender offer.

Cardinals wide receiver Andre Roberts finished with only three catches for 18 yards during Arizona's 27-13 loss to San Francisco in Week 17. Roberts was coming off an outing against Chicago in which he was targeted 12 times -- the second-highest total of the year -- but generated half that amount Sunday (six). Instead, the Cardinals and new quarterback Brian Hoyer relied on rookie Michael Floyd, who posted eight receptions for 166 yards. Roberts did manage higher totals than Larry Fitzgerald (two catches for 13 yards).

The Baltimore Sun reports the Cardinals signed safety Curtis Taylor to a one-year deal.

Cardinals running back William Powell signed his exclusive-rights tender offer, making him a part of the roster.

The Cardinals announced that the team has agreed to terms with free agent linebacker Jasper Brinkley on a two-year contract.

Arizona kicker Jay Feely drilled two field goals and an extra point during the Cardinals' 27-13 loss at San Francisco in Week 17. Feely was perfect on field-goal attempts for the eighth consecutive game as he converted kicks from 35 and 31 yards in the first half.

Cardinals linebacker Paris Lenon had a busy game in Week 14 against the Seahawks. He finished with a team-high 13 tackles (seven solo) and defended a pass in the 58-0 loss.