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Arizona Cardinals Cut Keilen Dykes to Make Room For Ben Patrick

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

More photos » Matt Slocum - AP

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

In an semi-puzzling move the Arizona Cardinals have reportedly released defensive end Keilen Dykes in an effort to make room for tight end Ben Patrick who is returning from a four game suspension. The puzzling nature of the move is because the team requested, and received, a roster exception for Patrick meaning that he could return to practice without them actually having to release anyone. Of course a move would have to be made later in the week so that Patrick can play this weekend against the Seahawks, but with the exception they could have waited a couple of days and made the move later in the week. Dykes can still be added to the practice squad if he clears waivers.

The second reason that this is semi-puzzling is that a defensive lineman instead of a tight end was released. After seeing the entire tight end position struggle with injuries last season, Stephen Spach's recent ankle injury could have something to do with the decision not to release a tight end. Alan Branch's emergence could also have doomed Dykes' status. This move means that for the time being the team will carry four tight ends even though they've only kept two active on game days. Dominique Byrd, who has been inactive for every game, is surely breathing a sign of relief after hearing that he still has a job.

It'll be interesting to see how long it takes Patrick to return to the starting lineup. He was the front runner to the win the job during the off season and even with his pending suspension he still started most of the preseason games. He is the most complete tight end on the roster and considering the lack of production from the position so far (six receptions for 48 yards), his return to the starting lineup might be eminent. Patrick has shown flashes during his first two seasons of becoming a quality tight end although he struggles with consistency and injuries.

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WTF

WTF we get rid of d-line depth for our.. what? 4th TE? Jesus.

by Chg91 on Oct 13, 2009 12:55 PM MDT reply actions   0 recs

Doesn't surprise me one bit.

We have a nice little rotation of guys on the d line. Gabe, CC, DD, Kenny and Robinson. What we can’t do is run. I see a lot more 2 and 3 TE sets. And with Byrd and Patrick on the field, we can still pass out of the formation. Just another wrinkle is all.

Life's too short. Be a fan. Orlando Magic, Arizona Cardinals,Tampa Bay Rays and of course "the U"! What a winning combo.

by hevchv on Oct 13, 2009 1:07 PM MDT via mobile reply actions   0 recs

Besides, he will clear waivers and be back on the PS.

Life's too short. Be a fan. Orlando Magic, Arizona Cardinals,Tampa Bay Rays and of course "the U"! What a winning combo.

by hevchv on Oct 13, 2009 1:09 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions   0 recs

practice

WOW its been awhile since I have been on hear and commented. I will be interested to see how he looks tomorrow in his first full practice. An article on azcardinals.com mentioned he had been really working out while away from the team (I should hope so) and I really really hope it wasnt just gym orientated. I hope when he was back at Deleware State he did some serious run blocking work. He is a great pass catching tight end, we need him to get a little better in the run blocking.

Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.

by sc464 on Oct 13, 2009 1:22 PM MDT reply actions   0 recs

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