Cardinals sign QB Dennis Dixon to practice squad

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) The Arizona Cardinals have signed quarterback Dennis Dixon to their practice squad and ended punter Dave Zastudil's season by placing him on injured reserve with a groin injury.

Dixon was signed with the Cardinals' quarterback situation uncertain. Carson Palmer is coming back from a nerve problem in his shoulder and backup Drew Stanton is recovering from a concussion. Neither may be available Sunday against Washington. That leaves rookie Logan Thomas as the only healthy quarterback on the 53-man roster.

Dixon played for Pittsburgh while Arizona head coach Bruce Arians was offensive coordinator there. Dixon played in four games for the Steelers from 2008 through 2011, completing 35 of 59 passes for 402 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He was with the Baltimore Ravens in 2012 and 2013. Dixon was in training camp with the Buffalo Bills this season but was cut on Aug. 25.

As expected, Arizona placed outside linebacker Matt Shaughnessy on the injured reserve designated to return list. Shaughnessy, with cartilage damage in his knee, will be eligible to play again when the Cardinals face Kansas City on Dec. 7.

The Cardinals elevated punter Drew Butler from the practice squad. Butler was Arizona's punter the first three games of the season.

Arizona re-signed outside linebacker Marcus Benard, his third stint with the team this season.

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