Cardinals release S Deionte Thompson, elevate OLB Jesse Luketa

Arizona Cardinals safety Deionte Thompson was released Tuesday and replaced on the team’s 53-man roster by rookie seventh-round pick Jesse Luketa.

While Luketa was elevated from the practice squad as the outside linebacker reportedly received interest from other NFL teams, the release of Thompson comes with two points of intrigue.

Thompson was the protector for punter Andy Lee, whose punt was blocked on Arizona’s first possession of a 20-12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

Furthermore, Thompson’s departure means the Cardinals currently only have two safeties healthy, starters Jalen Thompson and Budda Baker.

That’s if you don’t include third-year star backer Isaiah Simmons, who has practiced with the safeties but has seen his role in the middle of the defense reduced over the past two weeks.

The team also has veteran Charles Washington eligible to come off injured reserve after a Week 4 game on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers and only one safety, Josh Thomas, on the practice squad.

Luketa, who played four years at Penn State, was a seventh-round pick (256th overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft.

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