TUESDAY, 11:33am: The Cardinals have officially confirmed the signing of Grice, announcing that punter Drew Butler has been cut to clear a roster spot.
MONDAY, 5:59pm: The Cardinals are set to sign Marion Grice to a two-year deal, according to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego (on Twitter). Grice, who was on the Chargers’ practice squad, took his physical this afternoon and passed (link).
In the wake of Danny Woodhead‘s season ending injury, Grice was a candidate to be bumped to the active roster. That won’t be happening, however, as he’ll relocate to the Southwest and help support Cardinals starting running back Andre Ellington. Arizona’s change of pace back Jonathan Dwyer was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list after he was arrested for a July domestic violence incident. The Cards also have newly-signed running back Jalen Parmele on the roster, so it’s not immediately clear where he’ll fit in on the depth chart.
The 6’0″, 204 pound RB averaged 5.7 yards per carry in his two seasons at Arizona State, scoring 25 rushing touchdowns and 14 receiving touchdowns along the way. Grice was selected by the Chargers with the 201st overall pick in the sixth round of the 2014 Draft.
At this moment the Cardinals have five running backs in Ellington, Stepfan Taylor, Robert Hughes, Parmele, and Grice. No corresponding move has been announced yet.