While Patrick Peterson, Adrian Wilson, Kerry Rhodes, William Gay and Jamel Fleming are all safe, there are still quite a few players battling for even fewer spots. The group includes veterans as well as youth, all of whom may need a good performance Thursday against Denver to make the 53-man roster.

Michael Adams

The diminutive Adams is a veteran and an asset on special teams, though at 5-foot-8 sometimes struggles to matchup with opposing wideouts.

He's not going to get any taller, and at this point he is what he is. Will that be enough to secure a roster spot? Probably.

Rashad Johnson

A third-round pick in the 2009 Draft out of Alabama, Johnson's career has been underwhelming thus far.

The 26-year-old's play picked up last season, when he posted a career-best 50 tackles, but increased depth at the position could make him expendable.

A.J. Jefferson

Plenty can change in a year.

While Jefferson has excellent physical tools, he made just 60 tackles last season and intercepted just one pass. He was routinely burned by receivers and ultimately lost his starting job.

Greg Toler

Greg Toler was supposed to start opposite Patrick Peterson last season, but a torn ACL in the preseason ruined that plan before it could really be put into action.

A fourth-round pick in the 2009 Draft, Toler always brought good size and speed to the table. He made 90 tackles and picked off two passes in 2010, and many feel he'd be a good fit for Ray Horton's defense.

Unfortunately Toler has been slow to recover from the injury and could be running out of time to secure his spot on the roster.

Crezdon Butler

Butler, 25, came to the Cardinals via the Steelers in 2011. Injuries have plagued him this preseason and he has yet to so much as make a tackle in any of the four exhibition games.

Justin Bethel

Though Bethel was taken in the sixth round of the 2012 Draft out of Presbyterian, most feel his spot on the roster is secure.

That's what happens when you continually make plays whenever you're on the field.

Drafted as a safety, Bethel blocked a punt and an extra point against the Raiders a couple weeks back, and the incredible athleticism he brings to the table cannot be denied.

The rookie has made 12 preseason tackles and is getting some work at cornerback, so it appears the team plans on keeping him around.

• Coming up Thursday: Quarterback

• Previous battle: Left and right tackle

• Previous battle: Powell vs. Smith