Former Penn State linebacker Jesse Luketa has signed to the Arizona Cardinals’ active roster, as announced by the team on Tuesday.

The Cardinals released safety Deionte Thompson in order to clear the necessary roster space.

Luketa previously signed with the team’s practice squad in August after he was waived by the team at the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline. Before being waived, it was reported that Luketa made the 53-man roster.

The 2022 seventh-round pick earned glowing praise from the Cardinals’ staff through training camp. After earning playing time in the preseason, Luketa is now one step closer to receiving his first competitive NFL snaps.

In his four-year career at Penn State, Luketa spent his freshman, sophomore, and junior seasons at linebacker before eventually converting to defensive end in his senior year, filling a glaring team need. Before declaring for the NFL Draft, Luketa totaled 151 career tackles, six pass deflections, and a pick-six.

Luketa could see playing time as early as this Sunday when the Cardinals travel to play against the Carolina Panthers.