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Arizona Cardinals activate Robert Alford off of Covid-19 reserve list, have first 53-man roster of 2021

NFL: Arizona Cardinals-Training Camp Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals finally have a full 53-man roster.

The team on Friday announced they have activated Robert Alford, their starting cornerback opposite of Byron Murphy Jr. off of the Covid-19 reserve list.

That means we are close to seeing Alford on the field for the first time in an Arizona Cardinals uniform in the regular season.

While the retirement of Malcolm Butler is disappointing, the reality was he was really the third cornerback, meaning Murphy would slide inside when Butler came on the field.

That was because Alford had once again looked very good this training camp.

Now the key, can he maintain that level of play and also stay healthy for an entire season.

With Alford back, that means the plan is for the Cardinals to deploy Murphy and Alford and rookie Marco Wilson. The likely fourth cornerback will be Luq Barcoo, which should make things fun.

Welcome back, Robert!