Bubble watch: Notable Cardinals in danger of 53-man roster cuts

TEMPE — Two preseason games remain before initial 53-man roster cuts happen across the NFL.

Like plenty of other teams, the Arizona Cardinals are going to have some tough decisions to make in multiple position groups.

And there are a few notable names who could be on the outs come Aug. 30.

Cardinals in danger of 53-man roster cuts

BJ Ojulari

The 2023 second-round pass rusher has had a roller coaster of an NFL career.

He went from projected starter to afterthought after suffering a devastating knee injury during training camp in 2024.

Since then, he’s worked his way back into the mix, albeit in a role far from starter status.

He’s yet to start a game for the franchise and has appeared in 25 games across the past three years.

Heading into training camp, Ojulari was viewed as someone who rounded out the OLBs room behind Josh Sweat, Zaven Collins, Baron Browning and Jordan Burch.

But with Eku Leota impressing this camp, that’s no longer a given.

There’s also the recent optics to consider.

Ojulari has played late into preseason games, whether it be as a defender or special teamer. Not exactly a ringing endorsement with plenty others watching from the sideline in preparation for the regular season.

A couple of strong preseason showings to end the exhibition slate could really help Ojulari in the numbers game of it all.

That being said, it’s going to be an uphill climb for Ojulari.

Trey Benson

Benson is another Monti Ossenfort draft pick in danger of being a cut casualty this offseason.

The 2024 third-round running back avoided the physically unable to perform list to start camp, but a flare up in his knee has relegated him back to the sideline.

Even when he was healthy, Benson had just scratched the 11-on-11 surface before suffering the setback.

He was present and stretching during the team’s jog-through — something he hasn’t done since the injury popped up — but was not in attendance for Tuesday’s work.

After making an appearance during yesterday’s jog-through, Trey Benson was not present for the open portion of Cardinals practice. pic.twitter.com/1lNXLV10md

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 18, 2026

The more time Benson remains away from the practice field, the more likely it seems that he won’t be on the Cardinals’ roster after 53-man cuts.

Jeremiyah Love, Tyler Allgeier and James Conner (whenever he gets fully cleared) lead the way in the running backs room. Bam Knight is next in line after strong camp and preseason efforts. Corey Kiner has flashed some playmaking abilities, too.

The expectation is Arizona keeps no more than four backs. That’s Love, Allgeier, Conner and Knight at this point in time.

The trade avenue is there for Benson, though a release might end up being the end result for the running back. His injury history is going to come into play big time in any of those discussions.

If Benson does end up off the roster, he’ll mark one of the big what-ifs from Ossenfort’s draft picks. He went from a potential heir apparent to Conner to cut candidate in pretty quick fashion.

Elijah Jones

The Cardinals’ cornerbacks room has been among the most competitive this camp.

There’s plenty of options for the coaching staff to consider, with five or six cornerbacks likely making the initial 53-man roster.

The shoo-ins include Will Johnson, Denzel Burke, Max Melton and Sean Murphy-Bunting. Starling Thomas V is back healthy after contending for a starting role last camp before a torn ACL wrecked that thinking.

Jones, meanwhile, has taken clear steps forward as he has worked mainly with the second-team defense.

The squeeze of 53-man roster cuts is one of the toughest parts of the season for any NFL team, especially when those on the chopping block have shown growth like Jones.

How other position groups fill out could impact whether Jones is on the roster.

If Jones can outplay Thomas the rest of preseason, the 2024 third-rounder has a shot to snag that final spot in the room.

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