Arizona Cardinal starters produced a potent glimpse of their potential, posting elite first-team rhythm with 7.1 yards per play as Jacoby Brissett steered two scoring drives. Yet Kyler Murray’s troubling ball protection re-emerged with an early interception that underscored the need for safer escapes and better decision-making as the season nears. The Cardinals showcased depth along the line and at wideout, highlighted by strong performances from Emari Demercado and Xavier Weaver, who flashed in the roster battle. Special teams hiccups—fumbles, muffed returns, and a rough start on the opening kickoff—remain a concern even in a win. On defense, Dante Stills and the retooled front offered promising depth, while youngsters like Will Johnson, Max Melton, Xavier Weaver, and Elijah Jones pressed for snaps, tempering the offseason hype with real-world results. The Chiefs came up short offensively, allowing Arizona to squeeze out a 20-17 win before the teams meet again next week. The Cardinals head to Denver riding both optimism and reminders of the discipline still required to turn preseason momentum into regular-season reliability.

The Arizona Cardinals began their OTAs with a nearly complete roster, despite the absence of cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting due to an offseason knee injury that has sidelined him for the season. The team also released defensive lineman Ben Stille, making room for rookie Patrick Jenkins. With a full roster limit of 91 players, the Cardinals are currently at 90, including their international exemption for undrafted rookie Valentin Senn.

The roster features notable players such as quarterback Kyler Murray and defensive lineman Calais Campbell. Alongside Murray, Jacoby Brissett and Clayton Tune provide quarterback depth, while the running back group includes James Conner and emerging talents like Emari Demercado. The receiving corps is bolstered by rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., who is expected to make a significant impact. Defensively, the Cardinals have a mix of experience and youth, aiming to improve from last season.

The Arizona Cardinals face a significant challenge as starting cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting has been placed on the reserve/non-football injury list, jeopardizing his 2025 season. Murphy-Bunting, who contributed with three interceptions and five passes defended last year, is now sidelined, adding pressure to the team's defensive backfield.

In his absence, the Cardinals will rely on a mix of young talent, including second-round draft picks Will Johnson and Max Melton, along with Garrett Williams, who was drafted in the third round. The team is also exploring available veteran cornerbacks in free agency to bolster their secondary.