Less is more: Cardinals looking to keep legs fresh with lighter practice load

The Arizona Cardinals eased back into practice this week, opting for a walkthrough on Wednesday in an effort to give themselves added recovery time following last week’s victory.

At the midway point of the season, you have to practice smarter, not harder.

“We definitely made some adjustments at this juncture in our season, really more Wednesday than anything,” Kingsbury said Wednesday.

“Last year, Wednesday was fairly intense throughout the season and we were able to make some adjusts that I like have helped guys feel fresh, particularly some of the veteran guys, and feel more ready to go when Sunday rolls around.”

The lighter load gives Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (ankle) and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (hamstring), who are still day-to-day, more time to heal up.

The same goes for offensive linemen Max Garcia (Achilles) and Justin Pugh (calf). The duo suffered their respective injuries in Sunday’s win over the 49ers.

The walkthrough also gives those not on the injury report valuable time to get right after a game.

“It definitely helps,” linebacker Isaiah Simmons said Wednesday. “I know personally for me, I’m pretty sore on Wednesdays still so just dialing down a little bit and being able to focus more on the mental aspect … and recovery, just getting back to be ready to play on Sunday is something that’s huge.

“Me being a young guy in good health, I can assume how some of our vets feel. … I feel like it really helps out everybody in the long run.”

EXTRA POINT

— Wide receiver A.J. Green is still under COVID-19 protocols but is trending in the right direction, per Kingsbury.

“We are hoping that that will change within the next couple of days.”

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