Cardinals Release Coby Rhinehart

[Peruna_Ate_My_Rolex]

The Cardinals announced Sunday that the team has released the following 13 players: running back Damien Anderson, running back Aveion Cason, center Steve Grace, wide receiver Lawrence Hamilton, defensive tackle Cedric Hilliard, defensive end Dennis Johnson, wide receiver Kevin Kasper, safety Adrian Mayes, cornerback Coby Rhinehart, fullback Joshua Rue, defensive end Antonio Smith, defensive lineman Shaun Smith, and guard Tony Wragge.

“I think for every coach and every organization in the National Football League, today is a very tough situation,” said Head Coach Dennis Green. “There are guys who have hopes and dreams, just like coaches, who don’t quite make it. I think we tried to do everything we could to give everyone a chance to make our roster.”

The team also placed safety Dexter Jackson (back) and defensive tackle Kenny King (wrist) on the Injured Reserve list.

“We’ve been here for a while and Dexter’s back just has not cleared up sufficient for him to play football,” commented Green.

Green stated that Jackson could wind up playing somewhere else this year, which would mean the team would have to reach an injury settlement with the former Buccaneer Super Bowl MVP.

Since his arrival, Green has talked about wanting players who play hard and consistent, and so one of those tough cuts he made today was releasing Kasper.

“That was tough with Kevin Kasper because he’s that kind of player,” offered Green. “But the guy who squeezed him out was Reggie Newhouse. He has the ability to go out and get open and catch the ball in traffic and use his speed, and I think he earned his way on the roster.”

Green said his staff kept unusual numbers, going with a higher number of offensive linemen (keeping 10) and a fewer number (8) of defensive backs. With tackle L.J. Shelton’s back injury, Green said the team had been looking for another tackle and that Alan Reuber, claimed a week ago, fit the bill and was also kept on the squad.

Cornerback Duane Starks returned to practice on Sunday and either he or Renaldo Hill will start or play the nickel corner. Robert Tate will back up at both positions. Safety Quentin Harris will start at free safety and Adrian Wilson will play at strong safety. Safety Michael Stone will back up both positions, and Green expects Ifeanyi Ohalete to be ready for practice on Wednesday, and will also be in the mix.

In terms of the defensive line, Green let go of two former draft picks in Johnson (2002) and Smith (2004), and opted instead with newly acquired Peppi Zellner and free agent Ross Kolodzeij.

"Every now and then a guy who will punch the clock and come to work and give all effort can beat out a drafted player and that is what happened," Green explained. "Antonio made some progress and missed work because of injury. Ross is a guy who can play under tackle and left and right end and, in a pinch, even go inside and play nose. Picking up Peppi, that helped our team. Peppi will start at left end and then we can use Vanden Bosch and Berry in passing downs together. That gives us a fast group.”

With these moves, the Cardinals have reduced their roster to 53 players. All NFL teams were required to be at the 53-man limit by 1:00 PM (MST) today.

Despite there being numerous players coming available, Green revealed he didn’t think the team would be as active on the waiver wire as they have the last few weeks.

“We don’t have the flexibility we may have had before,” pointed out Green. “We’ve used that up flexibility up in my opinion. We did it along the way and I don’t think we have much room now.”

It is possible that several players released could return to the team's eight-man practice squad.

[Silk]

Hmmm .... anyone around DALLAS know a team that needs CB help?