Xavier Weaver highlighted Week 2 for the Cardinals with 1 catch for 17 yards and a 31-yard kick return, signaling a growing role as a gamble-worthy fantasy dart behind Kyler Murray. He flashed reliability in the short game and continued to show value on special teams, lifting his 53-man roster odds.

Shilo Sanders added two tackles but his Week 2 performance didn’t match the flash of Week 1, while LaJohntay Wester struggled after a strong debut, finishing with 0 catches on four targets and a fumble-related moment on punt return. Jimmy Horn Jr. posted a lone catch for 1 yard and a 6-yard rush, with Will Sheppard not recording a stat as the Packers rotated receivers. Injury dampened the Buffs alumni presence this week, as Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter sat out with injuries, keeping the spotlight focused on a small group of Buffs alums who are still pushing to carve real pro roles.

Arizona’s depth proved costly in a lopsided Denver preseason matchup, as the Cardinals were outgained 561 yards to 135 and averaged 2.9 yards per play while the Broncos piled up 7.8. The night’s bright spot came before kickoff: Chad Ryland ripped a 72-yard attempt in mile-high air, hinting at long-range kicking capacity that could matter if regular-season conditions demand 60-plus-yard tries. On the field, Brissett flashed veteran poise guiding a scoring drive, while Clayton Tune struggled to gain traction, leaving Brissett as the more reassuring option behind Kyler Murray in the immediate terms. The rookie receivers (Palmer, Weaver) and the secondary showed rough edges, reinforcing the Cardinals’ need for growth at WR depth and defensive depth. Overall, the result underscored roster decisions looming toward Week 1, with depth pieces and special-teams candidates likely to shape the final cuts.

Denver and Arizona will rest most starters in a preseason tilt that doubles as a depth showcase. Browning slots in as the Broncos’ likely third edge, with Sweat and Collins ahead in the rotation, while Cardinals depth pieces push for 2025 roles. Tip Reiman and Xavier Weaver headline Arizona’s near-term upside on offense, with Dadrion Taylor-Demerson drawing Budda Baker-like style comparisons on defense. The QB debate isn’t settled: Kyler Murray remains the ceiling darling, Bo Nix adds intrigue, and both teams will lean on young players to prove fantasy worth in limited action.

As Denver protects its key pieces, the game becomes a grinder for the next-man-up fantasy angles: backups stepping into targets, blocking connectors turning into receiving threats, and safeties showing playmaking potential. Arizona’s depth chart provides underrated breakout candidates, especially in the passing game, while Denver’s rotation could spotlight ends and edge-rushers who fantasy managers should monitor for early-season snaps.

Arizona’s second preseason clash with Denver centers on the Cardinals evaluating a bulk of depth pieces while starters sit. Clayton Tune is the focal point after halftime, auditioning for NFL teams as a potential practice-squad candidate or late waiver claim behind Jacoby Brissett. Simi Fehoko brings a guaranteed-money edge and length, while Xavier Weaver has flashed during the opener and remains in a tight roster duel for the fifth or sixth WR spots. Up front, undrafted Josh Fryar and edge players Jordan Burch and Xavier Thomas could seize snaps with Jones’ injury creating opportunities. At corner, Elijah Jones, Kei’Tre Clark, and Denzel Burke are battling for remaining roles, while BJ Ojulari’s PUP status could tilt the competition. The game doubles as a roster-barometer for the Cardinals’ depth chart and a glance at Broncos’ readiness for Week 1 depth.

The Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos meet in the second preseason action with roster decisions looming and 53 spots to decide by Aug. 26. Kyler Murray sits, turning the spotlight to who steps up around him and how the depth chart shakes out. Will Johnson’s live reps could signal whether he still needs seasoning, while Trey Benson’s workload will hint at a potential split-backfield behind James Conner. With Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson likely out, the Cardinals will lean on a thinner receiver group, giving Xavier Weaver and Simi Fehoko a real chance to stake a claim for regular-season snaps. Jordan Burch showed a quick burst in the opener and will need to keep pressuring the edge to solidify a role. The offensive line depth remains a concern beyond Kelvin Beachum and Will Hernandez, making backup line play critical. Finally, the night will crystallize roster battles at cornerback (Elijah Jones vs Darren Hall vs Jaylon Jones) and safety (Kitan Crawford vs Joey Blount) as Hayden Conner and Jon Gaines II vie for versatility on the interior line.