Cardinals Elevate WR Steven Sims, CB Jaden Davis Ahead of Week 16 Matchup vs. Falcons
GLENDALE - With injuries mounting and a few key players still listed as questionable, the Arizona Cardinals are making some roster moves ahead of their Week 16 home finale against the Atlanta Falcons. The team announced the elevation of wide receiver Steven Sims and cornerback Jaden Davis from the practice squad, a move aimed at shoring up depth on both sides of the ball.
Arizona will be without cornerbacks Darren Hall and Max Melton, both ruled out for Sunday. Meanwhile, wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Xavier Weaver are officially questionable, putting the Cardinals in a bit of a bind at two critical positions. Enter Sims and Davis - two players with very different paths to this moment, but both ready to make an impact if called upon.
Steven Sims: Veteran WR Brings Experience to a Thin Receiving Corps
Steven Sims is no stranger to the NFL grind. The 28-year-old wideout has bounced around the league since going undrafted out of Kansas in 2019, but he’s carved out a respectable resume along the way. Sims began his career with Washington, where he flashed big-play ability and finished his two-year stint with 61 receptions, 575 yards, and five touchdowns.
Since then, Sims has had shorter stops with other teams, including a recent stint with the Baltimore Ravens, where he suited up in last season’s Divisional Round. While his role in recent years has been limited, Sims brings veteran savvy, special teams value, and a familiarity with adapting quickly to new systems - all of which could prove invaluable this weekend.
Signed by the Cardinals earlier this month, Sims has been waiting in the wings for his opportunity. Now, with Harrison Jr. and Weaver both banged up, that opportunity may come sooner than expected. Whether he’s used as a depth piece, slot option, or return man, Sims gives Arizona a versatile weapon who’s been through the fire before.
Jaden Davis: A Gritty Climb to the Active Roster
On the other side of the ball, Jaden Davis is getting another shot at the active roster - and it’s been a long time coming. The 24-year-old cornerback was taken in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft and has spent much of his young career grinding through preseason reps, practice squad stints, and multiple releases.
This weekend marks just the second time Davis has been elevated to the active roster, but don’t let the lack of game experience fool you. He’s been immersed in the Cardinals’ system for the better part of two years and knows the defensive scheme inside and out. With Hall and Melton sidelined, Davis could be asked to step into a rotational role or contribute on special teams.
For a player who’s been cut and re-signed three separate times, Sunday is more than just another game - it’s a chance to prove he belongs. And for a Cardinals defense that’s looking for answers in the secondary, Davis might just be the next man up.
What It All Means for Week 16
The Cardinals’ matchup against the Falcons carries more weight than just the win-loss column. It’s a test of depth, resilience, and player development - and these elevations reflect that. Sims brings a steady veteran presence to a receiving group that may be without its top rookie, while Davis steps into a depleted cornerback unit with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove.
With just a few games left in the season, these are the moments where roster depth is tested and unsung players have a chance to write their own stories. For Sims and Davis, Week 16 could be that moment.