Cardinals activate LB Vallejo from COVID list, release DT Kerr

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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.

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