Cardinals Sign Jermar Jefferson to Practice Squad
Arizona adds the former Detroit Lions running back to its practice squad after he was released by the Minnesota Vikings before the regular season.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football
The Arizona Cardinals signed running back Jermar Jefferson to their practice squad on Wednesday after he worked out with the team on Tuesday. Jefferson, a former Detroit Lions seventh-round pick, was released by the Minnesota Vikings with an injury designation before the 2026 regular season.
Why it matters
The move gives Arizona depth at running back while offering Jefferson a path back onto a roster after his release from Minnesota. It also adds a player with prior NFL experience to the Cardinals' practice squad.
Jefferson appeared in nine games over his first four seasons with Detroit and rushed 11 times for 74 yards in three preseason contests with Minnesota. His injury designation at release, not disclosed by the team, remains unexplained.
The players
Jermar Jefferson
Jefferson is a running back who was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2021 and has since played for Arizona and Minnesota.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a National Football League franchise based in the Phoenix metropolitan area that signed Jefferson to its practice squad.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a National Football League franchise that released Jefferson with an injury designation before the 2026 regular season.
The details
Jefferson was drafted by the Lions in the seventh round in 2021 and spent his first four NFL seasons in Detroit. He played six special teams snaps over two regular-season games with Arizona in 2025 before being released by Minnesota this preseason.
Timeline
2021: Detroit drafts Jefferson in the seventh round.
2025 season: Jefferson plays six special teams snaps for Arizona.
September 2026: Minnesota releases Jefferson before the regular season.
November 4, 2026: The Cardinals sign Jefferson to their practice squad.
Season Trajectory
Practice squad signings like this one are a routine way for NFL teams to manage running back depth through injuries during the regular season. Jefferson's move keeps a player with prior Detroit and Minnesota experience available to Arizona without committing a full active-roster spot.
Jefferson's practice squad status means he can be elevated to Arizona's active roster for a game without requiring a full contract commitment. Fantasy managers tracking Arizona's backfield depth should note his arrival as a possible short-term rotation option.
The takeaway
Practice squad additions like Jefferson's show how NFL teams use low-cost roster spots to add depth during the season. Watch for any elevation notice that would move him onto Arizona's active roster.
Further reading
Explore more Football coverage for context on practice squad moves like this one in Glendale.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
