Cardinals, Broncos not expected to play starters in preseason game

The Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos are not expected to play their starters in this Saturday’s preseason game.

Following joint practice work on Thursday, Broncos head coach Sean Payton told reporters both sides won’t play their full brunt of starters outside of a handful of players.

“Neither Jonathan (Gannon) or I will play the 1s. There’ll be a few, five or six players on an eight-play pitch count that we consider 1s, but maybe lack reps,” Payton said. “We’re going to feature the 2s. There will be a group in the first half and a second half.”

Before the trip, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said he would make a decision on the starters after Thursday’s practice.

“The players know that. I’ll wait until Thursday and see how that kicks out, make a decision,” the head coach added.

The news of the decision comes after the two teams squared up for a day of joint practice.

From all indications, it was a mixed bag for the Cardinals, who have plenty to work on before things get real in Week 1 of the regular season.

That being said, tight end Trey McBride, returning to his home state, clearly stole the show on the Arizona front.

“Those players become more difficult than the blue chip receiver out here that we can lean to, double,” Payton said. “They’re so quarterback friendly because they’re just closer to the position.“

Who benefits from Cardinals not playing their starters?

With the Cardinals sitting the majority of their starters, that gives guys like Jordan Burch, Xavier Thomas, Emari Demercado and others more opportunities to define their roles.

The trio is coming off strong showings in Arizona’s preseason-opening win over Kansas City.

Demercado found the end zone on a 43-yard touchdown catch and run, while Burch and Thomas brought the pressure with the second team.

Other guys on the bubble who could use a strong showing include cornerback Elijah Jones, undrafted rookie defensive lineman Elijah Simmons and wide receivers Simi Fehoko and Tejhaun Palmer.

Time is running out to leave a lasting impression on the coaching staff. Every rep matters.

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