Cardinals to play starters in preseason opener vs. Chiefs

GLENDALE — The offseason question nearly everyone has been asking was finally answered.

Yes, the Arizona Cardinals are planning to play their starters in the preseason opener against Kansas City, head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed on Tuesday.

And given how the regular season schedule shakes out, any preseason reps are good reps with winnable games right out the gate.

This team cannot come out like it did last year in Buffalo, where the rust was evident.

“I told them last night. They’re going to play,” Gannon said. “I think it’s the best thing for our team this year.

“We’re at a good point with our health, we’re at a good point with our development. This year with our team, it’s the best thing to do for our guys.”

Gannon adds that he has a plan in mind for the starters’ snap counts but won’t etch that into stone until the team gets through the next three days of practice.

And even then, things can change mid-game.

For quarterback Kyler Murray, that means getting in some exhibition snaps for the first time since 2021.

After getting some preseason run as a rookie, he’s been used sparingly ever since.

Gannon’s preseason announcement also means good news for wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who has been dealing with knee soreness and an illness of late.

The wideout has missed the past three days of training camp practice, including Saturday’s Red & White Practice. Fellow starter Michael Wilson remains in concussion protocol.

A number of Cardinals won’t be out at practice today.

Marvin Harrison Jr., however, will be back on the field. pic.twitter.com/IYvuSYKtia

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 5, 2025

“I do think that’s the best form of evaluation, the best form of learning, where growth can take place,” Gannon said. “I want to see us operate, make sure that we’re doing the right things.

“We’re not going to game plan Kansas City or Denver or Vegas. It’s really kind of about us. Make sure that we’re learning from those reps. Everybody, not just the ones, the twos, and the threes as well.”

In addition to seeing veteran starters on the field, Saturday also marks the first time rookie cornerback Will Johnson will play in an NFL game.

The first-year player has continued to ascend this training camp, highlighted by Saturday’s interception in practice, and will now look to solidify his spot in the starting lineup in the preseason.

For Gannon, he’s looking for two things:

– Technique
– Consistency

A couple of uber- important traits for an outside cornerback.

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