Arizona rookie Hayden Conner exited the Cardinals’ Saturday tune-up with a knee injury after just three plays, drawing quick questions about interior-line depth and 53-man roster implications. Conner had been cross-training at center as Jon Gaines, hampered by a thumb issue, has struggled to snap. A serious knee issue could push the Cardinals to lean more on reserve linemen as they decide who travels to Week 1. Cramping issues were noted for a couple players who later returned. The 27-7 loss to Denver highlighted how precarious the O-line could be if Conner is sidelined.

Convincing debate for fantasy managers centers on how Conner’s status could shift snap counts and blocking schemes, especially if Gaines can’t snap consistently. With the Cardinals juggling roster spots, any setback could ripple to run-game efficiency and short-yardage packages early in the season, making depth pieces and practice squad candidates more worth monitoring than usual in late August.

Jonah Williams of the Arizona Cardinals excels as the leading right tackle in the NFC West, despite a limited six-game appearance last season. His performance, when healthy, showcases his ability to deliver high-end play, setting him apart from his competitors in the division. Following him is Rob Havenstein of the LA Rams, who, while experienced with 141 starts, is nearing the end of his career. Colton McKivitz of the San Francisco 49ers holds the third spot but faces uncertainty as the team considers replacements. Lastly, Abe Lucas from the Seattle Seahawks, despite potential, has been hampered by injuries, playing just 13 games over the last two seasons.

The Arizona Cardinals are gearing up for the 2025 training camp, commencing on July 22. In the first of a series highlighting the roster, attention turns to offensive lineman Jonah Williams. Originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2019 NFL Draft, Williams has had a career marked by resilience, overcoming early injuries to establish himself as a reliable starter. His versatility was showcased during his five seasons with the Bengals, where he played both left and right tackle. Now entering his second year with the Cardinals under a two-year contract, Williams is expected to solidify his role as the starting right tackle. However, his performance will be scrutinized, especially after a knee injury limited his contributions last season.