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Arizona Cardinals final 53-man roster projection for 2022: DeAndre Hopkins' absence could open door for USFL star

Cardinals receiver Victor Bolden had five catches for 66 yards in a preseason game against the Ravens. Michael Chow/Arizona Republic

The Arizona Cardinals open the 2022 NFL regular season against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 11 at State Farm Stadium.

Much like coach Kliff Kingsbury's staff, the first rendition of the Cardinals' roster doesn't have a ton of turnover. This year's roster will be a balance of veterans and young players with rookies like tight end Trey McBride, and pass-rushers Myjai Sanders and Cameron Thomas being relied upon from the get-go. But injuries could wreak havoc on Arizona's plans. Running back Jonathan Ward's status for Week 1 is uncertain due to a shoulder injury, which means rookie Keaontay Ingram may end up on the 53.

And with receiver DeAndre Hopkins suspended for the first six games, USFL star Victor Bolden may benefit with a roster spot. Like last season, the Cardinals have the offensive firepower needed to make a postseason run, especially with the boost from wide receiver Marquise Brown. The biggest question on defense, however, is who the outside corners will be and how the pass rush will fare without Chandler Jones, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as a free agent. Then there's the biggest overarching question of 2022: Can Arizona not fade down the stretch?

The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Here is a projection:


QUARTERBACK (3): Kyler Murray, Colt McCoy, Trace McSorley

McSorley may not see a down if Murray and McCoy can stay healthy, but Arizona will need him just in case.