Chris Moore will be released by the Arizona Cardinals as fellow receiver Zay Jones is eligible to return from suspension, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The 31-year-old Moore has appeared in 27 offensive snaps for Arizona through five games, the fifth-most on the team.
The Cardinals are soon expected to have Jones available. A commissioner’s exemption reportedly makes him eligible to practice this week coming off a five-game suspension for personal conduct, but the team has yet to formally activate and add Jones to the 53-man roster.
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Arizona’s receiver room this season has been led by rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. (279 yards) and second-year pro Michael Wilson (216).
After that, slot receiver Greg Dortch has recorded 138 yards but done that damage in 55% of the available offensive snaps. The offense has used a heavy dose of tight ends Trey McBride, Elijah Higgins and Tip Reiman to limit the opportunities available for a third receiver.
Moore and fellow veteran Zach Pascal have each received fewer than 10% of the offensive snaps, but the latter has an edge to remain on the roster as a trusted special teams player. Pascal has appeared in 77 plays in that phase.
Chris Moore’s resume before joining and being released by the Cardinals
Moore spent his first four-plus NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, where he racked up 511 yards and four touchdowns.
From there, a two-year run in Houston produced his best season yet, a 548-yard campaign in 2022.
He spent last season with the Tennessee Titans, where he put up 424 receiving yards on just 22 catches, an explosive 19.3 yards per reception.
Zay Jones’ return could reshape Arizona Cardinals’ WR room
Entering the season, Jones figured to challenge for meaningful playing time with his versatility and recent production.
He is two years removed from his best season, an 823-yard, five-touchdown effort in 16 games for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 29-year-old recorded 321 yards on 34 catches in just nine games last season as he battled knee and hamstring injuries.
Jones was arrested in November for domestic battery, leading to his suspension by the NFL. The charges were dropped in March after authorities reviewed evidence.
Jones got into a custody argument with the mother of his child in mid-November and left fingernail scratches on her neck, according to police.
The woman told deputies she was visiting Jones and his family when Jones got upset because she was taking their child back to Orlando. Police observed “several small scratches” on the woman’s neck that were “consistent with marks from a fingernail,” according to the report.
The woman provided a written statement, and Jones was arrested. He spent the night in the Duval County Jail and was released the following day on a $2,503 bond.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.