Cardinals Open Practice Window for Long, Carter
Tight end Hunter Long and defensive lineman Zach Carter can return to practice from injured reserve as the Cardinals fill roster spots.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Football
The Cardinals opened the practice window for tight end Hunter Long and defensive lineman Zach Carter, both recovering from knee injuries. Offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer was also signed to the team's practice squad.
Why it matters
Long and Carter have 21 days to be activated to the 53-man roster, and the team currently has an open spot. Their return could add depth at tight end and on the defensive line as the season progresses.
Long and Carter have 21 days to be activated to the 53-man roster before the window closes. Carter has recorded 13 tackles across four games, while Long recorded two receptions for 15 yards after his trade from Jacksonville.
The players
Hunter Long
Tight end acquired by the Cardinals in a trade with the Jaguars, who is returning from a knee injury sustained against the Giants.
Zach Carter
Defensive lineman who has recorded 13 tackles in four games with the Cardinals and is returning from a knee injury suffered in the Hall of Fame game.
The details
Carter was injured in the Hall of Fame game when he was rolled up on and hurt his knee. Long injured his knee on a punt play against the Giants in Week 4 after being acquired in a trade with the Jaguars.
Timeline
Week 4: Long injured his knee on a punt play against the Giants.
Earlier this week: The Cardinals parted ways with practice squad player Rivaldo Fairweather.
November 11, 2026: The Cardinals opened the practice window for Long and Carter.
Season Trajectory
The return of Long and Carter comes as the Cardinals rely more heavily on their tight ends, with Teagan Quitoriano promoted from the practice squad to fill Long's role in 13 personnel packages. Their activation could reshape the team's depth chart on both sides of the ball during the second half of the season.
Fantasy managers should monitor whether Long and Carter are activated, since Long's return could affect targets for Cardinals tight ends. Carter's potential return to the defensive line rotation could shift snap counts depending on the health of Roy Lopez, who is nursing a toe injury.
The takeaway
Roster depth matters most in the middle of a season, and the return of Long and Carter gives the Cardinals options as injuries and practice squad moves continue to shape the lineup.
What happens next
Long and Carter must be activated to the 53-man roster within 21 days of the practice window opening.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves, explore the latest Football coverage.
