A few surprises on Arizona Cardinals’ 1st depth chart of regular season

Sep 1, 2022, 1:34 PM | Updated: 7:13 pm

Cardinals reporter, ArizonaSports.com editor

The Arizona Cardinals’ first depth chart of the regular season has been unearthed more than a week out from the team’s home opener.

A lot can happen between now and Week 1 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, but the initial true depth chart from the team website at least paints a picture of what to expect when Arizona takes the field on Sept. 11.

Among the position groups that stand out is at outside linebacker, a room many are watching closely this season following the departure of Chandler Jones in free agency.

Dennis Gardeck gets the nod opposite Markus Golden, with Victor Dimukeje and rookie Myjai Sanders listed as their respective backups. Fellow first-year pro Cameron Thomas brings up the rear as a third-stringer.

Gardeck has largely been a backup and special teams ace during his tenure with the Cardinals. He did, however, make the most of his opportunities in place of an injured Chandler Jones in 2020, recording seven sacks over a 10-game span.

Dimukeje, who saw more time as a special teamer last season, was easily among the team’s top standouts defensively over the course of training camp and the preseason.

In terms of the running back situation, it’ll be Eno Benjamin taking over change-of-pace duties behind starter James Conner.

This marks Benjamin’s first time as the team’s backup running back after standing out this offseason. He beats out Darrel Williams, who cracked the third-team and is coming off a 1,000-yard season from scrimmage. Williams is followed by Jonathan Ward and rookie Keaontay Ingram.

Down in the trenches, Josh Jones figures to be the team’s swing tackle behind D.J. Humphries and Kelvin Beachum. Rookie Lecitus Smith and offseason acquisition Cody Ford are slated to back up Will Hernandez and Justin Pugh at right and left guard, respectively.

Across the line, Rashard Lawrence handles starting nose tackle duties, followed by Jonathan Ledbetter.

At inside linebacker, the duo of Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins get the starting nods, with Nick Vigil and Tanner Vallejo the next men up.

And on top of Greg Dortch’s starting role on punt and kick returns, the pass catcher will also back up Rondale Moore in the slot.

A full look at Arizona’s first depth chart of the regular season: