The Arizona Cardinals' secondary depth is being tested early in the 2026 season. On Wednesday, September 16, the team announced that safety and special teams ace Kitan Crawford has been placed on injured reserve, a move that leaves a significant void in the defensive backfield and on coverage units. In a corresponding roster move, the Cardinals promoted cornerback Kalen King from the practice squad to the active roster, according to an official team release. The news, first reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, underscores the physical toll of the early-season slate.
Crawford, a core special teamer and rotational safety, suffered the injury during Arizona's Week 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on September 13. He was carted off the field in the third quarter, a sobering moment that immediately raised concerns about his availability. While the team has not provided a specific timeline, the IR designation means Crawford will miss at least the next four games, a tough blow for a player known for his versatility and tackling prowess.
Kalen King Gets His Opportunity
In King, the Cardinals are turning to a young cornerback who has been developing behind the scenes. Originally a seventh-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2024 out of Penn State, King has yet to see regular-season action but has impressed coaches with his ball skills and physicality in practice. His promotion signals the team's confidence in his readiness to contribute immediately, likely on special teams and in dime packages. As highlighted on Vulius, King's ascent is a testament to the organization's next-man-up philosophy.
To further bolster depth, the Cardinals also signed cornerback Art Green and safety Jerrick Reed II to the practice squad, while releasing wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette. Green, 26, brings 20 games of NFL experience with the New York Giants over the past two seasons, primarily as a special teams contributor. He appeared in 11 games in 2025 and recorded 11 special teams tackles. Standing 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, Green originally entered the league with the Denver Broncos in 2023 as an undrafted free agent from the University of Houston.
Reed, 26, has appeared in 23 career games (one start) with the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans. A sixth-round pick by Seattle in 2023 out of New Mexico, Reed has totaled nine defensive tackles and 15 special teams stops. His experience in multiple systems should help him acclimate quickly. Both Green (jersey #23) and Reed (#33) were signed at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe, AZ.
"We're always evaluating ways to improve our roster and maintain depth," a team spokesperson said. "These moves give us options and keep our standards high."
What It Means for the Cardinals
The loss of Crawford stings, particularly for a special teams unit that values his speed and tackling. His absence will put added pressure on core players like Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson to anchor the secondary. King's promotion could also signal a shift in defensive schemes, with defensive coordinator Nick Rallis potentially utilizing more nickel and dime looks to compensate.
As the Cardinals prepare for their Week 3 matchup, the focus will be on how quickly the new additions can integrate. With the NFC West as competitive as ever, every roster move carries weight. For fans looking to support the team, official Cardinals merchandise is available at Vulius, where you can find jerseys and gear for Crawford, King, and the entire roster.
Stay tuned to Vulius for further updates on Crawford's recovery and the Cardinals' evolving depth chart.
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