TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Cardinals engaged in some contingency planning Tuesday by signing former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dennis Dixon to their practice squad.
The Cardinals also made two roster additions Tuesday to cope with their ever-expanding injury list. Punter Drew Butler was elevated from the practice squad to take the place of Dave Zastudil, and linebacker Marcus Benard was re-signed as a replacement for Matt Shaughnessy.
Dixon was with the Steelers from 2008 through 2011 after being drafted in the fifth round out of Oregon. His offensive coordinator while in Pittsburgh was Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians.
Dixon gives the Cardinals an insurance policy at quarterback if Carson Palmer (shoulder) and Drew Stanton (concussion) are unable to return for Sunday's game against Washington. Rookie Logan Thomas was the team's only healthy quarterback for much of the second half of Sunday's loss at Denver.
Dixon completed 35 of 59 passes for 402 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions during his stint in Pittsburgh. He's spent time over the past two seasons with the Baltimore and Buffalo practice squads.
Zastudil was placed on the injured reserve list with a groin injury. He will miss the remainder of the season. Butler averaged 47.9 yards per punt while filling in for the injured Zastudil in the first three games of this season. He punted for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2012 and averaged 43.8 yards per punt.
Shaughnessy was placed on the injured reserve/designated to return list with cartilage damage in his knee. He is required to miss a minimum of eight games.
Benard (6-feet-2, 260 pounds) played 12 games for the Cardinals last season (starting one) and was on the active roster for this season's victory over the New York Giants before being released on Sept. 16. He played for the Cleveland Browns for three seasons before joining the Cardinals.
