One of the misnomers that happens at this time every year is when Tuesday’s roster reduction is referred to as the “final” cuts. It is often said that a team has established its “final” 53-man roster.

Of course, if that was the case with the Arizona Cardinals, it would mean they would be playing the season without a long snapper!

So, with that spirit in mind, let’s just call today what it really is: the “beginning” 53 for the 2025 season.

We’ll get to that long snapper situation in a moment with a positional breakdown of the current roster, along with what it all means and who could wind up on the practice squad Wednesday. The deadline for waiver claims is 9 a.m. Arizona time on Wednesday. Considering the difficult choices the Cardinals had to make at several positions, it seems unlikely they will make any waiver claims to add players where it’s questionable they will be better than someone that would have to be cut. Vested veterans released are eligible to immediately sign to the practice squad. Teams can have up to six veterans in that group.

Cardinals 53-man roster breakdown

Quarterbacks (2): Kyler Murray, Jacoby Brissett

This was most obvious, especially after Clayton Tune was waived on Monday. Left open is whether the Cardinals will sign Tune to the practice squad if he clears waivers or investigate adding a new face from the numerous quarterbacks released around the league.

Running backs (4): James Conner, Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, Bam Knight

Knight won the job over Michael Carter and DeeJay Dallas because of his explosive running ability, and he could be the replacement for Dallas on kickoff returns. Dallas also contributed on other special-teams units, but other players could fill that role. It’s likely a running back will be added to the practice squad and both Carter and Dallas don’t have to go through waivers.

Wide receivers (5): Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Zay Jones, Greg Dortch, Xavier Weaver

Somewhat surprising was the release of Simi Fehoko, who had a strong preseason after missing the first game. He has $1 million in guaranteed salary and also doesn’t have to go through waivers. He is expected to be signed to the practice squad unless another team wants to sign him to their roster. Andre Baccellia and Tejhaun Palmer might also land on the practice squad.

Tight ends (4): Trey McBride, Tip Reiman, Elijah Higgins, Travis Vokolek

Having Vokolek on the roster was a slight surprise, especially when fourth tight ends, if on the roster, are rarely active. Josiah Deguara is a candidate for the practice squad and is also a vested veteran.

Offensive linemen (9): LT Paris Johnson Jr., LG Evan Brown, C Hjalte Froholdt, RG Isaiah Adams, RT Jonah Williams, T Kelvin Beachum, T Josh Fryar, G Will Hernandez, C/G Jon Gaines II

Hernandez, who was signed Aug. 3, will now be able to begin practicing for the first time after exiting physically unable to perform. It’s not known whether Hernandez will be capable of being on the scout team when regular-season practices begin next week. Fryar earned a roster spot as an undrafted free agent. One or possibly two linemen will be signed to the practice squad with the leading candidates vested-veteran guards Nick Leverett and Royce Newman.

Defensive linemen (7): Calais Campbell, Dalvin Tomlinson, Darius Robinson, Dante Stills, L.J. Collier, P.J. Mustipher, Justin Jones

Jones appears headed to injured reserve so he can be designated for return (DFR). The two allowable DFRs on cutdown day were used on tackle Christian Jones and center/guard Hayden Conner. When Jones leaves the roster, that will signal the re-signing of long snapper Aaron Brewer, whose contract was terminated Tuesday. Practice-squad possibilities include Patrick Jenkins, Kyon Barrs, Anthony Goodlow and Elijah Simmons.

Outside linebackers (5): Josh Sweat, Zaven Collins, Baron Browning, Jordan Burch, Xavier Thomas

This is a high-potential group, especially if the improved defensive line achieves against the run and creates more known-pass situations. Benton Whitley and Elliott Brown are practice-squad candidates.

Inside linebackers (4): Mack Wilson Sr., Akeem Davis-Gaither, Cody Simon, Owen Pappoe

There were those that believed Pappoe might not make the roster, but his special-teams prowess probably won the day. Vested veteran Mykal Walker had to be close and he could be on the practice squad as well as Vi Jones.

Cornerbacks (6): Garrett Williams, Max Melton, Will Johnson, Elijah Jones, Kei’Trel Clark, Denzel Burke

There will be significant special-teams snaps for Jones, Clark and Burke if they are all active on game day. Darren Hall could be headed to the practice squad.

Safety (5): Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Joey Blount, Kitan Crawford

Very few thought both Blount and Crawford would be on the roster and that Crawford would be the one. However, it was tough to overlook Blount’s ability on special-teams, especially as a gunner on punt coverage. Crawford is also strong on teams, along with upside on defense. Jammie Robinson might be on the practice squad.

Specialists (2): K Chad Ryland, P Blake Gillikin

As noted above, Brewer will be re-signed once someone, probably Jones, is placed on injured reserve. That will be the third time in four years the Cardinals made that procedural move with Brewer.

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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Breaking down the Arizona Cardinals’ initial 53-man roster