ARIZONA CARDINALS

Cardinals activate LB Vallejo from COVID list, release DT Kerr

Jan 10, 2022, 2:36 PM

Tanner Vallejo #51 of the Arizona Cardinals breaks up a pass to Tyler Higbee #89 of the Los Angeles...

Tanner Vallejo #51 of the Arizona Cardinals breaks up a pass to Tyler Higbee #89 of the Los Angeles Rams on a fourth and goal in the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium on October 03, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Arizona Cardinals released defensive tackle Zach Kerr and activated linebacker Tanner Vallejo from the COVID-19 reserve list on Monday as they begin preparation for a Wild Card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams.

The team also released linebacker Nate Hall from the practice squad.

Kerr was on the COVID-19 reserve list himself before the Cardinals released him. He appeared in three games (Weeks 10, 11 and 13) for Arizona this season, tallying three tackles.

Signed amid a rash of injuries along the interior of the defensive line, Kerr would be far back in the pecking order if he was close to a return.

The Cardinals have leaned heavily on defensive end Zach Allen — he played almost every available snap Sunday in the regular-season finale — while veteran Corey Peters and second-year man Rashard Lawrence split duties at nose tackle.

Vallejo, a trusted backup inside backer, has 11 tackles this season, as well as a pass defensed and a quarterback hit.

A core special teamer, Vallejo saw increased snaps in the middle of Arizona’s season because of injuries. He took nearly half of the snaps in a Week 9 game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Vallejo set a career high last season with 26 tackles and 1.0 sack for the Cardinals.

Arizona Cardinals

Evan Brown chats pregame...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals questions post-NFL Draft: Who’s the frontrunner at left guard?

The Arizona Cardinals have plenty of candidates at starting left guard. But who is the best option moving forward?

8 hours ago

Michael Wilson looks on...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals questions post-NFL Draft: Is Michael Wilson the unquestioned WR2?

Michael Wilson enters Year 2 as the Cardinals' likely candidate to secure the WR2 role behind Marvin Harrison Jr. Will anyone beat him out?

1 day ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Trey Benson and Jared Verse former teammates turned division rivals talk trash on Burns & Gambo

Trey Benson and Jared Verse former teammates turned division rivals talk trash on Burns & Gambo.

2 days ago

Jacob Roberts #40 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons attempts to tackle Trey Benson #3 of the Florida...

Kellan Olson

New Cardinals RB Trey Benson, FSU teammate Jared Verse banter as future opponents

Cardinals running back Trey Benson was asked about having to face his collegiate teammate Jared Verse. So then he handed the phone to Verse.

2 days ago

Dadrion Taylor-Demerson #DB64 of Texas Tech participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas...

Kellan Olson

Dadrion Taylor-Demerson manifested getting drafted ‘home’ by Arizona Cardinals

Texas Tech safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson felt a connection to the Arizona Cardinals in the pre-draft process and it came to fruition.

2 days ago

Tip Reiman runs the 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Draft Combine...

Tyler Drake

Wolf or Tip? Cardinals rookie TE Tip Reiman prides himself on being a mauler

Arizona Cardinals 2024 third-round pick Tip Reiman isn't one to hide from contact. In fact, he welcomes it with open arms.

2 days ago

Cardinals activate LB Vallejo from COVID list, release DT Kerr