The Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday released punter Pat O’Donnell, who had been filling in over the last five games with Blake Gillikin on injured reserve due to a back injury.
Arizona also released linebacker Jared Bartlett from the active roster and defensive lineman Anthony Goodlow from the practice squad.
The Cardinals opened up a pair of roster spots with these moves, perhaps a sign they are preparing for reinforcements from injured reserve.
Gillikin had not returned to practice as of last week. He will be someone to watch for as the Cardinals get back on the field Wednesday to get ready for Sunday’s home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
O’Donnell, an 11-year veteran, booted 12 punts for Arizona with an average of 42.2 yards, a career-low for the 34-year-old. His long was 49 yards, and 25% of his punts were downed inside the 20-yard line, the lowest percentage in the league.
Before the injury, Gillikin had averaged 51.7 yards per punt, which ranks second in the NFL.
Bartlett played 35 special teams snaps over the past two weeks. He was recently promoted from the practice squad. Goodlow has played three games for Arizona this season (36 defensive snaps) and put up three tackles, one tackle for loss and a quarterback hit.
Cardinals work out three offensive tackles
The Cardinals also worked out three offensive tackles, according to NFL insider Aaron Wilson: Marques Cox, Michael Tarquin and Trey Wedig.
Arizona right tackle Jonah Williams did not play against the 49ers last weekend due to a shoulder issue. Kelvin Beachum was questionable for the game, started in Williams’ place, played 73% of offensive snaps but exited with a groin injury.