Arizona Cardinals trimmed to 53 ahead of Week 1 with New Orleans looming. Simi Fehoko was waived despite preseason buzz, underscoring the value the staff places on special teams and depth in the WR corps. Bam Knight’s preseason burst earned him a spot, while Darren Hall’s versatility at safety/cornerback wasn’t enough to keep him as a top option. Will Hernandez moved off PUP to active, giving the interior line a needed boost. BJ Ojulari and Walter Nolen opened the season on PUP, delaying their impact.

In all, Arizona blends veteran steadiness with upside youth, prioritizing immediate special-teams value and interior depth while buying time for two high-upside rookies to develop. Week 1 against New Orleans will test this balance as the Cardinals lean on depth at WR and OL, plus a defensively versatile front that can adapt as pieces return from injury.