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Around SBN: Odds On Peyton Manning's Next Home Includes Three Teams

Arizona Cardinals Training Camp Coverage: Melvin Fowler Signed and Justin Green to IR

The Arizona Cardinals made a habit of making small roster moves over the off season in order to tweak the depth chart and infuse some competition at certain positions (namely tight end). They continued that trend today when they cut Donovan Raiola (currently the third team center) and signed Melvin Fowler. Now chances are you've never heard of Fowler but he's not just another spare part, in fact he's now one of the most experienced played on the Cardinals offensive line. Fowler is a 30 year center who started five games for the Bills in 2008 and every game during the previous two seasons. In all he's started 60 NFL games and appeared in 87, although the Bills weren't overly excited about his performance. Fowler may not be a future star in the waiting but he instantly becomes the best backup at center.

The Cardinals also placed fullback Justin Green on Injured Reserve, ending his season. Green was injured his knee very early in camp. The interesting thing is that with the three moves the Cardinals now have an open roster spot and the first official 'cut down' day isn't until September 1st. The Cardinals will certainly make a move at some point and it'll be interesting to see which position gets another warm body.

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Can I be the first to say Hell Yea

I’m sure the Fowler guy sucked as a starter but he’s got to be better than our current backups. This is why I love Whiz. Now if we can just find the same type of pickup at ILB.

Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

by Bezekira on Aug 4, 2009 2:40 PM MDT reply actions  

+1

Good move at center for sure. That was one of my primary areas of concern.

Section 135, Row 35

by AJ BirdWatcher on Aug 4, 2009 3:30 PM MDT up reply actions  

Fowler adds a twist to the final 53

Fowler is a legitmate back up and has the ability to make the final 53. If we keep him does that mean we carry 10 OL (which would be unusual for Cards). If they go with 10 OL who will be cut elsewhere? Will Hobson function as depth at both ILB and OLB. If Fowler stays and the OL is at 9 who falls off? E. Brown? It does add a twist to my speculation about the final 53.

On the other hand, they may be bringing him in so that he learns the system and then cut him at the final cut and hope he stays unsigned in case they have to sign him if a serious Sendlein injury- that seems like a risky approach.

One thing is for sure, the Cards will be cutting some good legitimate nfl players. Its a nice Whizenhunt change.

MBN

by mbn on Aug 4, 2009 6:46 PM MDT reply actions  

very good point and I hadn't thought about how it would change up the final 53

If I had to chose today I don’t think my final 53 would include Elton Brown but that does leave us sort of vulnerable at guard. Keith would be the only legit backup guard with Vallejo and Johnson just a tackle spot. Johnson can play guard but as far as we know he hasn’t practiced there yet. I guess Fowler could play guard in a pinch. Ah the possibilities…..

Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

by Bezekira on Aug 5, 2009 6:11 AM MDT up reply actions  

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