The Arizona Cardinals are releasing veteran quarterback Desmond Ridder because the staff begins 53-man roster cuts, based on NFL Community’s Ian Rapoport.
The transfer and choice to retain backup Clayton Tune behind starter Kyler Murray comes two days after the Cardinals’ 38-12 loss to the Denver Broncos in Arizona’s preseason finale on Sunday.
The veteran signal-caller turned in his greatest exhibiting as a Cardinal in Denver, finishing 10 of 16 cross makes an attempt for 111 yards for an 83.1 QBR. He added one other 25 yards on two carries.
Ridder’s day, nevertheless, ended on a bitter word. Late within the fourth quarter, the quarterback left the sport after taking successful and was positioned in concussion protocol quickly after.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon mentioned Monday that Ridder has since cleared the protocol.
Earlier than Sunday’s motion, Ridder was 10-of-19 for 114 yards throughout Arizona’s first two preseason video games.
How did Desmond Ridder’s tenure with the Cardinals go?
Ridder joined the Cardinals by way of an offseason commerce with the Atlanta Falcons in change for huge receiver Rondale Moore.
Given the commerce and prior NFL expertise, it appeared he had a quick observe for the QB2 function heading into coaching camp. However inconsistencies and turnovers plagued Ridder all through most of camp and into joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts, opening the door for Tune.
Tune confirmed loads of enchancment this offseason, highlighted by his play towards the tip of camp and thru a lot of the preseason. That’s to not say there aren’t some issues to scrub up. In Sunday’s loss to the Broncos, Tune didn’t look as decisive as he was within the two video games prior.
That lack of ability to drag the set off at occasions performed an element in Tune’s sack complete (three) on the afternoon. It wasn’t simply Sunday, both, with Tune taking place no less than two occasions a sport this preseason. Tune isn’t the one one accountable for the eight sacks he took in exhibition play, however he may have restricted the injury in sure conditions.
Nonetheless, Tune appeared to have carried out sufficient to safe a roster spot behind Murray behind 361 passing yards, a landing and an interception on 35-52 passing throughout three preseason video games.
Whereas Tune’s job seems protected for now, there’s all the time the possibility the Cardinals decide to herald somebody from the surface relying on who could be out there after the 53-man roster reduce deadline on Tuesday.
Round this time final 12 months, common supervisor Monti Ossenfort acquired QB Josh Dobbs from the Cleveland Browns with Murray nonetheless recovering from a torn ACL and Colt McCoy’s noticeable struggles. Dobbs made eight begins for the Cardinals earlier than he was dealt to the Minnesota Vikings forward of the NFL commerce deadline.
Arizona isn’t in the identical QB boat it was final 12 months, with Murray absolutely wholesome, however the choice to convey somebody in stays if the Cardinals really feel inclined to take action.