ARIZONA CARDINALS

Trio of potential Cardinals starters expected to get some run vs. Bengals

Aug 10, 2022, 12:52 PM

Marco Wilson during training camp...

Arizona Cardinals CB Marco Wilson runs through drills during training camp on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, in Glendale. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)

(Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)

GLENDALE — The Arizona Cardinals wrapped up their final day of open training camp practices on Wednesday.

Next stop, Cincinnati.

Arizona kicks off preseason play Friday night against the Bengals, with the plan to get those further down on the depth chart more looks in a live-game setting.

Not all potential starters will take the game off, however, with head coach Kliff Kingsbury highlighting cornerback Marco Wilson and linebackers Dennis Gardeck and Zaven Collins as a trio of starting-caliber defenders that will see their numbers called on Friday.

The list of potential starters on the offensive ball remains to be seen.

“We’re going to play some guys that have a chance (to start),” Kingsbury said Wednesday. “Offensively, not too many guys (will play) that I think will crack that starting lineup.”

Looking at Cardinals’ first depth chart of the season — which is configured by expected participation for the Bengals matchup — the lone projected starter on offense listed with Friday’s first-team is offseason addition Will Hernandez.

Among the offensive players not expected to suit up is rookie tight end and second-round pick Trey McBride. Earlier in the week, Kingsbury said the plan was to have McBride make his preseason debut under the lights in Cincinnati.

Instead, a sore back and multiple rest days over the past week have led Kingsbury to pivot to next week’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football.

McBride was not in uniform Wednesday and spectated from the sideline over the course of practice.

As for the players that will see reps on Friday, Kingsbury is keeping close tabs on how a certain rookie cornerback responds under the bright lights.

“Christian Matthew is a guy I want to see play live,” Kingsbury said of the seventh-round pick out of Valdosta State. “He’s gotten better each day.”

“Played at a small school but has come in and has really been diligent in attacking our scheme and the work ethic. Anything we ask him to do if he screws something up, he gets it right the next time.”

Despite it being preseason, a strong showing from Matthew could help sorting the depth of the cornerbacks room, especially after Kingsbury’s “the jury’s still out” comments regarding Wilson as an every-down starter.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Desmond Ridder runs the rock against Houston...

Tyler Drake

Desmond Ridder eager to remind fellow Cardinals QB Clayton Tune about college wins

Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder may not know Kyler Murray just yet, but he and Clayton Tune go way back.

2 days ago

LSU's Malik Nabers, a top NFL Draft prospect...

Kevin Zimmerman

NFL Draft: Malik Nabers to visit Arizona Cardinals after LSU pro day, per report

Top NFL Draft receiver prospect Malik Nabers will reportedly visit with the Arizona Cardinals after the LSU Tigers' pro day.

2 days ago

Desmond Ridder looks to pass...

Tyler Drake

QB1 or not, Desmond Ridder keeping starter mentality with Cardinals

New Cardinals QB Desmond Ridder is focused on using the good and the bad from his first two seasons rather than listening to outside chatter.

3 days ago

Jonathan Gannon and Kyler Murray look on...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon: Kyler Murray’s ‘best football is ahead of him’

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon believes Kyler Murray will continue taking the necessary steps forward with a full offseason of work.

3 days ago

Kyler Murray chats with Jonathan Gannon...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals will face ‘really good’ AFC opponent for joint preseason practices

The Arizona Cardinals expect to hold joint practices in the preseason against a really good AFC opponent, in the words of Jonathan Gannon.

3 days ago

Patriots and Cardinals kick off return in 2020...

Associated Press

NFL owners approve new kickoff rules for 2024

NFL kickoff rules will take on a hybrid approach similar to the XFL. League owners approved the new measures Tuesday.

3 days ago

Trio of potential Cardinals starters expected to get some run vs. Bengals