Arizona trimmed the Chiefs 20-17 in a lively dress rehearsal, but the real headlines were the stock dips in a few Cardinals veterans. Kyler Murray flashed poise and delivered targeted strikes to Harrison Jr. and McBride, yet one late pick kept the chatter buzzing about his ceiling this season.

DeeJay Dallas’ ball security came under fire with a kickoff fumble and muffed punt, fueling a real competition in the return game with Bam Knight looming. Greg Dortch also muffed the opening KO, nudging usage questions at WR4. Xavier Weaver stepped in, while Michael Wilson’s slot presence hinted at a deeper, more flexible receiving corps that could push Dortch aside. All told, the offense showed sparks, but depth and special-teams steadiness remain the immediate fantasy concerns.

DeeJay Dallas, fresh from his previous stint with the Seattle Seahawks, embarks on his second season with the Arizona Cardinals after signing a lucrative three-year, $8.25 million contract. The running back enters training camp hoping to secure a significant role on a team looking to redefine its offensive strategy. Dallas, known for his versatility, aims to solidify his spot as a key player in the Cardinals' backfield amid competition, with an opportunity to showcase his skills in both rushing and receiving.

The NFL landscape is shifting as teams prepare for the offseason, especially with the 2025 salary cap projected to increase significantly. Teams like the Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons are assessing potential cap casualties, focusing on players whose contracts may no longer be justifiable. For instance, the Cardinals might part ways with running back DeeJay Dallas, who has underperformed. Meanwhile, the Falcons could consider releasing veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, as his production does not align with his hefty cap hit.

Other teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills are also eyeing roster adjustments. The Ravens may need to make tough decisions on cornerback Marlon Humphrey, while the Bills are contemplating the future of aging star Von Miller. The Dallas Cowboys might also look to shed salary through cuts, including safety Donovan Wilson, as they prepare for contract negotiations with key players like Micah Parsons.

The bond between a player and a coach is unparalleled, nurtured through dedication and shared experiences. Recently, Ron Dugans, Florida State's former wide receivers coach, attended a game to support his former players, running back Trey Benson and defensive back Jammie Robinson, now with the Arizona Cardinals. Despite Benson's absence due to an ankle injury, Dugans’ presence highlighted the lasting relationships formed in sports.

The Cardinals achieved a remarkable 47-24 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Robinson, who joined Arizona after a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers, did not participate in the game. Dugans had also reconnected with former Miami running back DeeJay Dallas during this visit.

Benson's rookie season concluded with 291 rushing yards and a touchdown, showcasing his potential for future contributions to the Cardinals. Meanwhile, Robinson's future with the team remains uncertain as he navigates his recent transition from the Panthers, where he had minimal impact.

Having worked closely with both players at Florida State, Dugans's connection to them remains strong despite his recent departure from the coaching staff. The Seminoles, under Dugans's guidance, celebrated significant victories, including a Cheez-It Bowl win and an ACC Championship.

As Florida State moves forward with new coaching appointments, including Tim Harris Jr. as the new wide receivers coach, Dugans's next steps in his coaching career are still a mystery. His extensive experience across various programs and the NFL positions him well for future opportunities in football coaching.

The status of Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner remains uncertain as he deals with a knee injury sustained in last weekend's game. Despite being limited in practice throughout the week, reports indicate that he is trending positively for the upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Conner's ability to play is crucial for fantasy football managers who view him as a strong RB2 option, especially against a Rams defense that has allowed a moderate number of points to running backs this season.

Prior to his injury, Conner was performing exceptionally well, racking up 117 rushing yards and a touchdown, along with 49 receiving yards, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. However, concerns linger about the Cardinals potentially limiting his workload due to the injury, which could impact his overall fantasy ceiling.

In the event that Conner cannot play, rookie Trey Benson is also questionable, leaving Michael Carter as the likely No. 2 running back. Carter has already demonstrated his ability to handle a significant workload, particularly after Conner's early exit last week. If both Conner and Benson are sidelined, Carter could emerge as a valuable flex option, with DeeJay Dallas stepping in as a backup.