The Arizona Cardinals wrapped up their week of practice with a fan-favorite tradition on Saturday—the Red & White practice. This annual event was more than just a practice; it was a celebration with a vibrant atmosphere, where fans filled the stadium to catch a glimpse of their favorite players and enjoy a series of activities designed just for them.
Highlights from the Day
A major highlight of the day was safety Budda Baker receiving his framed Pro Bowl jersey. This presentation was a special moment, reflecting Baker’s hard work and dedication. Fans were treated to a variety of attractions, and the players made sure to stick around after the event, signing autographs and engaging with the crowd.
For the team, Saturday was a lighter day compared to Friday’s full-pad practice. The session was conducted in shells, focusing more on technique and less on the physicality of previous workouts.
Notable Absences and Injuries
The practice was marked by some significant absences. Rookie cornerback Max Melton was sidelined, joining a growing list of injured players. Melton’s absence adds to the team’s injury woes, which already included BJ Ojulari, who is out for the season with a torn ACL, and center Hjalte Froholdt. Also missing were cornerback Kei'Trel Clark, receiver Zay Jones, and defensive lineman Justin Jones.
Despite the absence of these key players, the practice continued with notable adjustments and evaluations. It's worth noting that several of these players had been missing from practices before, so their continued absence isn’t a new development but still a point of concern.
Defensive Adjustments and Improvements
The defense took center stage on Saturday, showing marked improvement. During previous sessions, the offense had been dominant, but the defense stepped up this time. Zaven Collins, having recently signed his contract extension, was among those who saw increased action. Collins mentioned that the entire defensive unit had been called out for their performance recently, which may have spurred a heightened level of intensity and focus during this practice.
Offensive Line Dynamics
With Froholdt unavailable, the offensive line rotation continued to evolve. On Saturday, Elijah Wilkinson, who was the primary left guard last year, took the spot at left guard with Evan Brown stepping in at center. This reshuffling is a testament to the ongoing adjustments and experimentation within the offensive line.
The second unit featured Kelvin Beachum at left tackle, Isaiah Adams at left guard, Trystan Colon at center, Jon Gaines at right guard, and Christian Jones at right tackle. Notably, Gaines has been versatile, working across three different positions throughout practices.
The third unit saw Jackson Barton at left tackle, Marquis Hayes at left guard, Keith Ismael at center, Dennis Daley at right guard, and Austen Pleasants at right tackle. This ongoing rotation highlights the team’s effort to find the right mix and depth for the offensive line.
Outside Linebacker Role Changes
With Ojulari’s season-ending injury, the outside linebacker position is under scrutiny. On Saturday, Zaven Collins and Dennis Gardeck were the primary starters. Cameron Thomas and rookie Xavier Thomas also received first-team reps. Collins praised Xavier Thomas for his performance, indicating the rookie’s potential impact on the team.
Mack Wilson is another player to watch closely. Slated to start at inside linebacker alongside Kyzir White, Wilson also saw significant action on the edge. In various defensive packages, Wilson has been moving from the middle of the field to the line of scrimmage, showcasing his versatility. Head coach Jonathan Gannon highlighted Wilson’s ability to wear “a couple of hats” within the defense, suggesting he might play both inside and outside linebacker roles.
Rotational Insights and First-Team Adjustments
Several other first-team rotations were noted. L.J. Collier took over from Justin Jones on the starting defensive line. Starling Thomas received all the first-team reps at cornerback, alongside Sean Murphy-Bunting and Garrett Williams. Thomas had previously been sharing reps with Max Melton, so his solo stint was a significant development.
Owen Pappoe also made a mark by getting first-team reps at inside linebacker towards the end of practice, following Wilson’s extensive work on the edge with the second unit.
Looking Ahead
The Cardinals will take a break on Sunday before turning their focus to their preseason opener next week. The final week of practices will remain open to fans at the stadium, offering a chance for supporters to see their team in action one last time before the games begin.
In summary, while injuries have posed challenges for the Cardinals, the team is actively making adjustments and evaluating talent. The defensive unit showed promising improvements, and the offensive line continues to experiment with different configurations. With the preseason on the horizon, the team’s performance in these practices will be crucial in setting the stage for a successful season.
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