Cardinals elevate S Chris Banjo, WR Andre Baccellia to active roster
Oct 1, 2022, 1:45 PM
Chris Banjo #31 of the Arizona Cardinals waits in the tunnel to the field before the game against the Los Angeles Rams 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 welcomed back safety Chris Banjo by elevating him — along with wide receiver Andre Baccellia — from the practice squad to the active roster on Saturday.
Banjo signed with the Cardinals and joined the practice squad this week after spending 2019-21 in Arizona.
The 32-year-old adds depth to the Cardinals’ secondary and special teams units after safety Deionte Thompson was released on Tuesday.
“He’s a leader on our defense,” defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said of Banjo this week. “He’s been a great leader for us. He’s a good mentor for our young guys, and he’s always been a guy who you can trust to put in the game to help you win.”
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Banjo played in 16 games last season, primarily on special teams.
Baccellia was elevated for the second consecutive week.
The Cardinals’ wide receiver group is reeling with A.J. Green (knee) out Sunday, Rondale Moore (hamstring) and Marquise Brown (foot) questionable, Antoine Wesley on injured reserve and DeAndre Hopkins suspended.
Baccellia played 26 offensive snaps last week and caught two passes for 13 yards on four targets.
The Cardinals did not elevate a defensive lineman despite nose tackle Rashard Lawrence (hand) out and defensive end J.J. Watt (calf) questionable, a possible tell of what Watt’s status will be.
The Cardinals take on the Carolina Panthers at 1:05 p.m. Sunday afternoon.
