The Arizona Cardinals designated tight end Hunter Long and defensive lineman Zach Carter to return from injured reserve on Wednesday, according to Arizona Sports.
Both players are eligible to begin practicing with the team immediately. The Cardinals now have a 21-day window to officially activate them to the 53-man roster.
The move addresses depth needs on both offense and defense as the team manages a rotating roster of injuries. While Long and Carter prepare for practice, the team also signed offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer to the practice squad, Arizona Sports reported.
🏈 #NFL News – Cardinals designate DL Zach Carter, TE Hunter Long to return from IR. The Cardinals have designated defensive lineman Zach Carter and tight end Hunter Long to return from injured reserve, the team announced Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/iX6n5ec8e9
Zach Carter’s return could provide immediate relief to a defensive front currently managing health concerns. According to NBC Sports, the team is currently nursing a toe injury to Roy Lopez, which may allow Carter to move quickly into the defensive line rotation.
Carter has been sidelined since August after sustaining a knee injury when his leg was rolled up during the Hall of Fame Game. He joined the Cardinals last year and appeared in four games, recording 13 tackles and a forced fumble.
Cardinals designate DL Zach Carter, TE Hunter Long to return from IR. https://t.co/zVqSLrTm9A
The return of Hunter Long follows a period of reshuffling in the Cardinals’ offensive packages. Long was placed on injured reserve in Week 4 after a collision on a special teams play against the New York Giants left him with a knee injury, NBC Sports reported.
Since his acquisition from the Jacksonville Jaguars in August, Long has primarily served as a blocking tight end and a special teams contributor. He has recorded two receptions for 15 yards on four targets this season.
To manage the roster during Long’s absence, the team promoted Teagan Quitoriano from the practice squad to handle 13 personnel packages. The timing of Long’s return coincides with recent roster movements, as the team parted ways with Rivaldo Fairweather from the practice squad earlier this week, according to NBC Sports.
| Player | Position | Injury Context |
|---|---|---|
| Hunter Long | Tight End | Knee injury sustained in Week 4 vs. Giants |
| Zach Carter | Defensive Lineman | Knee injury sustained in Hall of Fame Game |
Long was originally acquired by the Cardinals via a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars in August.
The Arizona Cardinals have announced three roster moves: TE Hunter Long designated to return from IR DL Zach Carter designated to return from IR OL Jamaree Salyer signed to the practice squad pic.twitter.com/mD002MDxFB
Cardinals open 21-day practice window for DL Zach Carter and TE Hunter Long to return from IR.
We have made the following roster moves ↓⁰⁰Opened 21-Day Practice Window:⁰• DL Zach Carter⁰• TE Hunter Long⁰⁰Signed to Practice Squad:⁰• OL Jamaree Salyer pic.twitter.com/vTqGarodrC
TE Hunter Long, DL Zach Carter on way back from injurues for Arizona Cardinals 📸 Patrick Breen/The Republic https://t.co/pUNuTigL43 pic.twitter.com/E32yecpkmn
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