There are some really cool things about being an NFL head coach.
Cutting players is not one of them.
Steve Wilks is experiencing for the first time what so many dread as he pares down the Cardinals' roster from 90 to 53 players. All the decisions must be in by 1 p.m. Arizona time on Saturday and the process is taking its toll on Wilks.
"Everything is about relationships to me," Wilks said. "You build that over time, and it's not all about football. You get to know them as a person, as a man, as a father, as a husband. It's difficult when you tell them that you're moving on. That part has been tough."
While Wilks declined to get into specifics, names of players getting released have started to trickle out. Linebacker Scooby Wright did not make the roster, according to NFL Network. Wright, a former University of Arizona standout, joined the Cardinals in December of 2016.
Sixth-round pick Chris Campbell was reportedly released, as were tight end Alec Bloom and running back Darius Victor.
Wilks did confirm undrafted free agent kicker Matt McCrane's tweet that he was released. McCrane didn't miss a kick in the preseason as he pushed veteran incumbent Phil Dawson for the job.
"Matt did a tremendous job, and I told him that," Wilks said. "I wanted to try to give him every opportunity to showcase his talent for other teams. A lot of times you saw us going for long field goals because we believed in him. When you have a veteran guy like Phil, who I think is consistent, who has really proven himself over the years, it's tough at that position, because all you have is that one guy. I foresee Matt competing and kicking for someone in the National Football League this year."
Wilks said he is still evaluating the wide receiver room, which could be one of the toughest to sort. Undrafted rookie Trent Sherfield led the team with two catches for 44 yards Thursday night and seems to be in the mix for a spot. On defense, safety Zeke Turner is another undrafted rookie making a push after a great game against the Broncos.
"I'm excited when guys can show up like that," Wilks said. "And it shows that we've done a tremendous job in the evaluation process as well."
The Cardinals must make a decision on injured players Markus Golden (knee) and Jermaine Gresham (Achilles) by the roster deadline. They are both on the physically unable to perform list, and if they stay there, neither can play for the first six weeks of the season.
Wilks sounded optimistic about their activations.
"I think those guys should be ready to go, based on our conversations the last couple of weeks," Wilks said. "Talking to the players personally, they feel like they're ready. We'll see exactly where we are on Monday."
Even when the Cardinals cut down to 53, the back end of the roster figures to be fluid as waiver claims are placed on players released by other teams. A 10-player practice squad will also need to be built, which is something Wilks doesn't take lightly.
"The term I try to use with the coaches is 'developmental squad,' meaning that we're coaching future starters," Wilks said. "The biggest thing we want to make sure we do when we have injuries is that we can pull from the practice squad first."
Images from the fourth preseason game on Thursday night at University of Phoenix Stadium

WR Greg Little celebrates his touchdown reception

QB Mike Glennon fires a pass

A video tribute and moment of silence for John McCain

Head coach Steve Wilks before kickoff

WR Larry Fitzgerald watches the tribute to John McCain

DE Jacquies Smith picks off a pass

WR Greg Little catches a touchdown pass

DE Jacquies Smith is congratulated after an interception

Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders perform during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks watches during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.

A Arizona Cardinals fan holds a picture of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. During the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.

Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders perform during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.

Broncos wide receiver Mark Chapman is tackled by Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck.

S Zeke Turner brings down Denver quarterback Paxton Lynch

Cardinals quarterback Mike Glennon breaks away from Broncos defensive end DeShawn Williams during the first half.

Cardinals RB Sherman Badie with the carry

Denver quarterback Chad Kelly is tackled by Cardinals linebacker Scooby Wright.

Cardinals LB Airius Moore on the sack that was called back after a penalty

Cardinals cornerback Brandon Williams runs against the Denver Broncos during the second half.

Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick catches a pass under pressure from Cardinals defensive back Rudy Ford.

Cardinals S Zeke Turner brings down Broncos QB Paxton Lynch

Denver running back David Williams goes over the top of Arizona Cardinals LB Airius Moore.

Cardinals S Zeke Turner gets to Denver quarterback Paxton Lynch

Cardinals wide receiver Corey Willis is tackled by Broncos Jordan Leslie.

Cardinals S Zeke Turner celebrates after a sack

Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks (left) greets Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph after their preseason game on Thursday.