The Arizona Cardinals have announced that they have parted ways with veteran tailback Marcel Shipp.

Shipp originally joined the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2001, and he has spent his entire pro career in Arizona.  He has 2,197 career rushing yards and 14 rushing and receiving touchdowns.

He was dumped to clear a space for free agent guard/center Jasper Harvey, who has been signed to fill the void at the center position.  Harvey didn’t play in the NFL last year, but was a member of the Orlando Predators of the Arena League in 2008.

Meanwhile, LeCharles Bentley is available, but unsigned.

Shipp was listed as the primary backup to Edgerrin James on the team’s most recent depth chart.  The No. 3 tailback is J.J. Arrington.  It’s unclear why Shipp got the short straw instead of Arrington.

Because Shipp is a vested veteran who isn’t required to clear waivers, it’s possible that there’s a wink-nod deal between Shipp and the Cardinals that they’ll bring him back after the injury situation on the offensive line gets under control.