Notes from the Nest: Arizona Cardinals training camp – Aug. 13

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Thursday’s practice was the last time we’ll see the Cardinals before their first preseason game of 2015. The team was in shells once again, and also without quarterback Carson Palmer, who was being rested by the coaching staff.

The Good

Cornerback Cariel Brooks intercepted a Logan Thomas pass after it bounced away from the receiver. Safety Tony Jefferson also came down with a pick, as did Tyrann Mathieu (on a ball that was batted away at the line of scrimmage).

The Cardinals seemed to get pretty good pressure throughout the day, with rookies Rodney Gunter and Markus Golden each spending some time in the backfield.

John Brown came down with a touchdown catch on a Drew Stanton pass, out-timing Jerraud Powers on the play.

Stanton also hit Andre Ellington for a touchdown on a third-down play.

Phillip Sims found Jaxon Shipley on a nice deep ball during 11-on-11 play. Logan Thomas hit Ifeanyi Momah for a 30-yard touchdown strike along the sideline.

The Bad

Though he threw a nice touchdown pass, Thomas also seemed to struggle. He threw one screen pass at the running back’s feet and missed on a handful of other throws.

While it was nice to see the Cardinals get a pass rush, that also means the offensive line was having protecting issues.

Early in practice, penalty flags were flying pretty regularly. Offsides on the defense was a common infraction.

The Injured

Matt Shaughnessy landed himself on the “did not practice” list, though the reason is unknown. Here is the full list of non-participants, who also will not be playing Saturday.

WR Michael Floyd (hand)

RB Marion Grice (hamstring)

CB Darren Woodard (groin)

S Chris Clemons (groin)

RB David Johnson (hamstring)

CB Jonte Green (hamstring)

LB Shaq Riddick (hamstring)

LB Sean Weatherspoon (hamstring)

LB Darryl Sharpton (hip flexor)

DE Matt Shaughnessy (unknown)

OT Rob Crisp (knee)

LB Zack Wagenmann (foot)

Notable

With Shaughnessy out, Ed Stinson received some reps with the first-team defense. Josh Mauro did, too.

Arizona’s quarterback depth chart remained the same without Palmer. Drew Stanton was first up, and he was followed by Thomas and then Sims.

Powers saw an increased workload, but still ceded most of the first-team reps to Justin Bethel.

Though out with a hand injury, Floyd spent time after practice going through exercises with conditioning coach Roger Kingdom.

Quotable

“I’m just going to make sure I show that I can rush the passer. Just know what I can do and do my job. Do my assignment and do whatever I’ve got to do to help the team win and help the defense get better.” – Markus Golden on his goals for Saturday’s game

“About 20 of them. It’s hard to name. All those inside backers, a couple of tight ends, all the young receivers, that whole second and third defensive line, a couple of young corners — there’s so many battles going on that it would hard to just name one or two.” – Bruce Arians on if there is anybody in particular he’s looking forward to seeing play Saturday

“We’ve been putting in a lot of work, and getting in this week I feel a lot more comfortable with the offense and I feel a little bit more a part of the team since I’ve been practicing, so I’m real excited to get out there.” –Troy Niklas on being ready for Saturday’s game

Not video, but cool pictures

They may have fought for it, but Tony Jefferson came up with the interception!#CardsCamp pic.twitter.com/Sw1osCdZZT

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 13, 2015

ICYMI: @Jwalk_back12's leaping TD grab#CardsCamp pic.twitter.com/RWTV81lC3C

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 13, 2015

Up Next

The Cardinals (and I) have Friday off before getting back at it Saturday. I’ll be on the air co-hosting Arizona Sports Saturday on, well, Saturday from 11-1 p.m. on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. The team will be hosting the Kansas City Chiefs with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m.

Follow @theAdamGreen

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