Cardinals Shake Up Kicking Game, Sign Rams’ Karty Amid Ryland’s Struggles

The Arizona Cardinals have made a surprising move at the kicker position. They signed Josh Karty off the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad on Tuesday. This comes after a difficult stretch for current kicker Chad Ryland.

The team is 3-12 and out of playoff contention. Yet, this roster adjustment shows they are still evaluating every spot. According to NFL rules, Karty must be added to the active roster for this week’s game.

Ryland’s Recent Misses Prompt Change

Chad Ryland has faced significant challenges in recent weeks. He missed two field goals in a one-score loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16. Head coach Jonathan Gannon had publicly backed Ryland after that game.

Gannon said he had faith in his kicker. He stated he would keep putting him out there. Despite that vote of confidence, the front office has acted.

Ryland has missed at least one kick in his last five games with a field goal attempt. Since mid-November, he is just 8-for-14 on field goal tries. This inconsistency ultimately led the Cardinals to explore other options.

A Season of Constant Roster Churn in Arizona

The kicker switch is part of a larger trend for Arizona this season. The team has used a league-leading 80 different players. Constant injuries and performance evaluations have forced endless adjustments.

On Tuesday, they also signed cornerback Kalen King from Carolina’s practice squad. The team placed Garrett Williams and Walter Nolen III on injured reserve, ending their seasons. This level of turnover is a major coaching challenge.

Gannon acknowledged this reality to reporters. He said coaches must develop every player as if they will play. This season, that philosophy has been tested more than usual.

The Cardinals’ decision to sign Josh Karty is a direct response to on-field performance. It highlights the team’s focus on evaluation even in a lost season, as they continue to manage unprecedented roster turnover.

Dropping this nugget your way

Why did the Cardinals sign a new kicker?

The team signed Josh Karty due to Chad Ryland’s recent struggles. Ryland has missed kicks in five straight games. His accuracy had become a liability for the team.

Who is Josh Karty?

Josh Karty is a kicker the Cardinals signed from the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad. He was originally an undrafted rookie. NFL rules require him to be on the active roster now.

Is Chad Ryland injured?

There has been no official report of an injury to Chad Ryland. The move appears performance-based. The team simply brought in competition after his missed kicks.

How many players have the Cardinals used this year?

The Arizona Cardinals have used 80 players this season. That is the most of any team in the NFL. It shows the massive roster churn they have dealt with.

What other moves did the Cardinals make?

They also signed cornerback Kalen King from the Panthers’ practice squad. The team placed two players on injured reserve. The roster remains very fluid.

What did Coach Gannon say about Ryland?

After a recent loss, Gannon said he had “all the faith in the world” in Ryland. He stated he would keep putting him out there. The front office’s action followed that statement.