Cardinals Receiver Smith-Marsette Leaves Packers Game with Ankle Injury
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette was ruled out of Thursday's game against the Green Bay Packers after suffering an ankle injury in the third quarter. He had caught two passes for 41 yards and handled return duties before exiting. The injury complicates his bid for a roster spot, as the team must cut to 53 players by Sunday.
Smith-Marsette's injury arrives at a particularly difficult moment, as Arizona must finalize its 53-man roster by Sunday afternoon. He had been competing directly with Simi Fehoko and Jalen Brooks, and Brooks' strong preseason performances had already pushed Smith-Marsette down the depth chart. He was not included in the publication's most recent roster projection.
The receiver also serves as the team's second return option behind Devin Duvernay, who was inactive for Thursday's game. If Smith-Marsette is cut, he would be exposed to waivers, allowing any of the other 31 NFL teams to claim him before Arizona could potentially bring him back on the practice squad.
This injury could shape the Cardinals' roster decisions in the coming days, potentially affecting the team's depth at both receiver and return specialist. For Smith-Marsette personally, the timing may determine whether he remains on an NFL roster or lands on a practice squad. The broader competitive dynamics of preseason cuts affect dozens of players across