GLENDALE – After a sensational preseason, running back Bam Knight shocked the Valley by making the Arizona Cardinals 53-man roster. Knight was an underdog heading into the preseason, behind other halfbacks like Michael Carter and DeeJay Dallas for the RB4 position. However, he was easily the most explosive offensive weapon on the field.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Knight had the most rushing yards over expected (RYOE) over everyone in preseason. The 24-year-old had 85 RYOE and a total of 138 rushing yards on 12 carries. His dominance made him an easy keep for Arizona.
Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (35) celebrates his touchdown during the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Full list of cuts for Cardinals ahead of Tuesday’s deadline:
DL Kyon Barrs
LS Aaron Brewer
LB Elliott Brown
OL Jeremiah Byers
RB Michael Carter
OL Jake Curhan
RB DeeJay Dallas
TE Josiah Deguara
WR Simi Fehoko
DL Anthony Goodlow
WR Bryson Green
CB Darren Hall
OL Sincere Haynesworth
CB Jaylon Jones
OL Nick Leverett
OL Royce Newman
WR Tejhaun Palmer
S Jammie Robinson
DL Elijah Simmons
LB Mykal Walker
Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (35) hurdles Las Vegas Raiders defenders during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Knight went to North Carolina state for three seasons, before going undrafted in the 2022 draft. He signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent, where he appeared in seven games, rushing for 300 yards on 3.5 yards per carry. The following season Knight would join the Detroit Lions, but only had three rushing attempts before his departure.
He hasn’t had another opportunity until signing a future/reserve contract in January with the Cardinals. This preseason was a make or break opportunity for Knight, and he passed with flying colors.
Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (35) against the Las Vegas Raiders during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Despite being RB4, Knight could still find his way on the field via a punt or kick returner and replacing Dallas in that role. Knight size and athleticism is a nice contrast to the running backs ahead of him in the depth chart, as James Conner and Trey Benson are more of power backs.
Knight was a Darkhorse to make the 53-man roster, and now he’ll be in New Orleans with the team ready for Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints.
Cardinals to face Arizona native Spencer Rattler as starting QB vs. Saints in Week 1
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
