These Cardinals players didn't play in the preseason finale vs. Broncos

The Arizona Cardinals concluded the preseason on Sunday in a 38-12 road defeat to the Denver Broncos. It was a game with a bunch of rookies and backups. The Cardinals held out 38 players of the game. It included starters and a bunch of players who have set roles established. Others might have been held out so they don’t get hurt before getting cut.

These were the guys, grouped by position, with a little commentary.

Quarterback

• Kyler Murray

We know all along he wasn’t going to play in the preseason.

Running back

• James Conner
• Trey Benson
• Michael Carter

Conner and Benson are locks. Carter was a surprise here. He seems like he would be the fifth running back on the roster. He either was held out because they know he is going to make the team, or because they don’t want him getting hurt before they cut or trade him, as he is due to make more than $3 million in 2024.

Wide receiver

• Marvin Harrison Jr.
• Michael Wilson
• Greg Dortch
• Zay Jones
• Dan Chisena

Wilson, Dortch and Jones have not played all preseason, while Harrison played only three snaps in the opener. Chisena was injured this past week.

Tight end

• Trey McBride
• Elijah Higgins
• Tip Reiman
• Travis Vokolek

This looks like what will probably be the four tight ends on the roster.

Offensive line

• Paris Johnson
• Evan Brown
• Hjalte Froholdt
• Will Hernandez
• Jonah Williams
• Kelvin Beachum

These six guys are the five starting linemen and Beachum, who is expected to make the team as their backup swing tackle.

Defensive line

• Justin Jones
• Bilal Nichols
• Darius Robinson
• Roy Lopez
• Dante Stills
• Khyiris Tonga
• L.J. Collier

Robinson is injured. This whole list appears to be the guys who will make the 53-man roster.

Outside linebacker

• Zaven Collins
• Dennis Gardeck
• Xavier Thomas

It would appear that Thomas has earned the top sub for the outside linebacker room, ahead of Cam Thomas, Victor Dimukeje and Jesse Luketa.

Inside linebacker

• Kyzir White
• Mack Wilson
• Krys Barnes

White and Wilson, expected starters, have not played in the preseason, Barnes is the first guy to play if either White or Wilson come out.

Cornerback

• Sean Murphy-Bunting
• Garrett Williams
• Starling Thomas

These will be the Week 1 starters.

Safety

• Budda Baker
• Jalen Thompson
• Joey Blount

Baker and Thompson did not play in the preseason. Blount sitting out is interesting. It would seem he was either hurt or locked up a roster spot, which means that Andre Chachere probably won’t make it.

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