Isa

Abdul-Quddus

Wells has been playing through the injury for the entire second half of the season, but the Cardinals opted for extreme caution now that the playoffs are out of reach. Alfonso Smith is the favorite for carries. John Skelton is starting with Kevin Kolb (concussion) out. Patrick Peterson (Achilles), who looked “quick and fast” in warmups, is active. Other Cardinals inactives: WR Stephen Williams, FS Kerry Rhodes, LB Brandon Williams, OL D.J. Young, and WR DeMarco Sampson.

This Givens is not related to the Rams’ fourth-round pick. The undrafted rookie out of Miami of Ohio had impressed in spring workouts, so the undisclosed injury could be serious. A practice squad ticket appeared to be in the cards. Parks is back as a camp body while LCB Jabari Greer recovers from sports hernia surgery.

Douzable had been dividing his time between end and tackle before coming down with a shoulder injury. An effective rotational run-stopper, Douzable had signed a one-year, $700,000 contract in April.

LT Trent Williams (thigh), ILB London Fletcher (ankle), and CB DeAngelo Hall (ankle) are all active, as expected. Banks is a surprrise inactive because he’s been part of the Redskins’ pistol package as a sidecar to Robert Griffin III. On the other hand, he hasn’t done much with the opportunity.

Abdul-Quddus played 98 snaps on defense this season but was mainly used on special teams as the fourth safety. S Jordan Pugh takes his roster spot.

Abdul-Quddus made six special teams tackles with New Orleans in 2013, and was used sparingly on defense. An impending restricted free agent, Abdul-Quddus would cost $1.389 million for Detroit to tender at the cheapest rate.

Detroit claimed Abdul-Quddus off waivers from the Saints earlier this month. He was set to be a restricted free agent but waived that right and is signing on with the Lions for the minimum, plus a $50,000 signing bonus. Abdul-Quddus will try to lock down a roster spot as a special teamer.

Benwikere, presumed to be the Panthers’ No. 1 corner, has been working in the slot. It appears set to remain that way indefinitely. “It is a big vote of confidence and we’ll see,” coach Ron Rivera said. “To me, what’s going to be real important is how we play in the preseason games.” On skill set, Benwikere is best suited for the slot. Worley and Bradberry both offer more size on the boundary.

Abdul-Quddus was signed to a three-year deal last offseason and started all 15 games up to this point, grading out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 44 safety out of 89 qualifiers. Miami has now lost both its starting safeties after SS Reshad Jones (shoulder) was lost earlier in the year. Special teamers Michael Thomas and Baccari Rambo will operate as the starters for the Wild Card Fins.

Abdul-Quddus landed on injured reserve last December with what was described as a “stretched nerve” in his neck. He has reportedly experienced swelling among other concerns in the neck since the injury, and those concerns put his playing future in question. Signed to a three-year deal last March, Abdul-Quddus showed well as a 15-game starter his first year in Miami. He would be a big loss.