Cardinals Make Roster Adjustments Following Conner’s Season-Ending Injury
The Arizona Cardinals are making significant changes to their roster in the wake of a serious injury to running back James Conner. The team has officially announced the elevation of offensive tackle Demontrey Jacobs from the practice squad to the active roster. Conner’s foot injury has placed him on injured reserve, leaving a crucial gap in the team’s lineup.
Roster Updates and Changes
In addition to bringing Jacobs up to the active roster, the Cardinals have released Kyon Barrs from the practice squad. They have also signed Elliot Brown and Patrick McMorris to fill the vacant spots. These moves reflect a proactive approach by the team’s management as they seek to adapt and compete amid injury setbacks.
Demontrey Jacobs’ Journey
Jacobs entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023, initially signing with the Denver Broncos. After a brief stint in Denver, where he was cut before the regular season, Jacobs found a new opportunity with the New England Patriots. In 2024, he became a significant contributor, starting 13 games and playing a total of 15, while being on the field for 90% of the offensive snaps.
Despite his considerable playing time, Jacobs faced challenges on the field. Pro Football Focus ranked him among the lowest-performing tackles in the league, giving him an overall grade of 38.2, which placed him 137th out of 140 tackles. His performance metrics highlighted struggles in both pass protection (42.7) and run blocking (41.9). Over the course of the season, Jacobs allowed 49 pressures and nine sacks, and he was flagged for 11 penalties, including four holdings and seven false starts.
Next Steps for the Cardinals
Head coach Jonathan Gannon is now tasked with integrating Jacobs into the lineup, as the Cardinals look to maintain their competitive edge without Conner. The team’s ability to adapt and make the best of its current roster will be crucial as they navigate the remainder of the season. With Jacobs stepping up, the focus will be on how well he can improve on his previous performance and help stabilize the offensive front.
