Cardinals’ Robbie Anderson, Cody Ford impress in 1st full practice week

TEMPE — Wide receiver Robbie Anderson and offensive lineman Cody Ford completed their first full weeks of practice with the Arizona Cardinals Friday to glowing reviews by head coach Kliff Kingsbury.

The two made their Cardinals debuts last week on Thursday Night Football, as injuries to both position groups have elevated Arizona’s need for their newcomers to step up.

Anderson played 12 snaps less than four days after getting traded from the Carolina Panthers, while Ford filled in after missing six weeks with an ankle injury for left guard Max Garcia, who hurt his shoulder in the second quarter. Ford was acquired just before the season in a trade with the Buffalo Bills.

Anderson slotted in the Y last week, as Arizona adjusted to life without Marquise Brown — on injured reserve (foot) — while sliding A.J. Green down the depth chart.

“(Anderson) looks good, he works really hard,” Kingsbury said Friday. “Legit, legit speed, and I think he’s a guy who picks it up quick. He can run any route in the route tree and the production speaks for itself. So it’s just about getting synched up with the quarterback and really understanding our offense. But I’ve been really impressed with him.”

The Cardinals aren’t handing Anderson the entire playbook quite yet as they work him in. The receiver said Friday he’s studied the plays given to him as a starting point.

“(Doing) just what they are telling me and learning other little things on the fly,” Anderson said.

Kliff Kingsbury on Robbie Anderson’s first full week of practice: “He looked good, he works hard … I think he’s a guy who picks it up really quickly … It’s just about getting synched up with the quarterback.” pic.twitter.com/q7mXOw4FLH

— Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) October 28, 2022

Anderson’s role Sunday vs. the Minnesota Vikings won’t be tremendously increased from last week, Kingsbury noted, but the target gives the head coach options.

Kingsbury is adjusting to his new arsenal with Anderson and DeAndre Hopkins in the fold.

On the offensive line, Ford is set to start his first game of the year at left guard.

Kingsbury ruled Garcia out against the Vikings, and regular starter Justin Pugh is out for the season (knee).

Ford explained it was a bit of a shock to play so much in a game — 53 snaps — after not practicing during the regular season.

“It’s a testament to the coaching staff getting me ready to be in that position and then the guys around me getting me ready to go,” Ford said Thursday. “Everything was fine.”

Ford said he is excited for the opportunity to play, and having extra days to rest from Week 7 helped him recover.

Kingsbury praised Ford for coming into the game without much conditioning and holding up, saying his left guard looked better as the practice week progressed.

“A full week of practice has really helped him and I think his comfort level has grown tremendously from just the last three days of practice,” Kingsbury said Friday.

The Cardinals face the Vikings Sunday at 10 a.m. Tune to Arizona Sports 98.7, the Arizona Sports app or arizonasports.com for the action. 

Follow @alexjweiner