GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals are adding a player from the international pathway program to bolster up the offensive line. On Tuesday, the team claimed Nigerian offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka off waivers from the Cleveland Browns. Mbaeteka entered the league in 2022 via the pathway program and has been a part of other teams like the New York Giants and Chicago Bears.
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Aug 10, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka (61) moves to block Green Bay Packers defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. (57) during the fourth quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Why are the Cardinals adding Mbaeteka:
Every NFL team has a designated international roster spot, and for Arizona, its spot is vacant because of Austrian offensive lineman Valentin Senn is out on the injured reserve. Mbaeteka becomes the 17th offensive lineman on the Cardinals roster. The next two weeks will narrow down that list to around 8-10 lineman.
Aug 11, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Giants offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka (61) takes the field for a preseason game against New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
However, Mbaeteka will likely be safe at the team is required to have an international spot occupied and could see action in the team’s final preseason games. The 6-foot-8 tackle has never made an appearance in a regular season football game, but he strives to do that in Arizona with his fourth team since joining the program.
Cardinals HC Gannon calls this OL the “glue” for the entire team
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
