Arizona Cardinals hosted six defensive players for a Monday tryout, adding immediate-depth options at Week 1. Four linebackers (Jared Bartlett, Stone Blanton, Devin Harper, Cam Riley) and two defensive linemen (Zach Carter, Denzel Daxon) took part, with one potentially earning a practice squad spot by Wednesday as the team reshapes its front seven.

Carter brings NFL familiarity, Daxon hails from the Bahamas with Cowboys preseason exposure, Harper was a 2022 sixth-round pick, Blanton and Bartlett were undrafted, and Riley is a Florida State product who didn’t make New England’s final roster. These auditions cue a swing-for-depth approach that could influence early-season IDP value and special-teams roles.

The Arizona Cardinals worked out Jared Bartlett, Stone Blanton, Devin Harper, Zach Carter and Denzel Daxon as Week 1 prep ramps up, with a 53-man decision looming after roster cuts. Arizona is adding defensive front seven bodies while Walter Nolen III and other front-line pieces are out on PUP. The move signals a pragmatic push for depth and potential special-teams impact behind the obvious starters, with roster moves possible this week.

Week 1 plans versus New Orleans loom large, and Arizona is weighing NFL and CFL crossovers for depth amid injuries and IR/PUP status. These workouts don’t guarantee roles but set the stage for a fluid, competition-driven approach as the Cardinals aim to push through Week 1 with capable, versatile players ready for rotational duty and occasional stints on the field.

49ers preseason debut put their LB depth to the test when Tatum Bethune exited early in the second quarter with an ankle injury after a tackle on Tyler Badie. San Francisco listed him questionable to return as Fred Warner rested and Dee Winters logged a few series. Bethune, a 2024 seventh-rounder from Florida State, appeared sparingly as a rookie but carried limited defensive snaps and special-teams duties. If the ankle sidelines him longer, Nick Martin, Luke Gifford and Stone Blanton are poised to soak up more work behind Warner.

With Bethune sidelined, Winters flashed potential to move up the depth chart, and the veteran presence of Martin plus Blanton’s versatility could shape the early-season rotation. The return of Bethune before the second-quarter conclusion offered a cautious sign for SF’s long-term health and hinted at a flexible LB scheme once the real games begin, making every snap in camp a pivot point for the 49ers’ IDP fantasy landscape.

Bethune came back before the quarter ended, easing concerns and signaling prudent rehab. As camp continues, the primary question for fantasy managers is who will seize the extra snaps behind Warner, especially if Bethune’s status lingers. Winters’ development to a reliable depth option could provide immediate upside in tackle-heavy formats.

The San Francisco 49ers have officially signed undrafted free agent linebacker Stone Blanton, addressing a critical need in their roster after the rookie minicamp. Blanton's college journey took him from South Carolina to Mississippi State, where he made a significant impact last season with impressive stats, including 125 tackles and three pass breakups.

While Blanton may not step into a starting role immediately, the lack of high-quality options at the Will linebacker position offers him a real chance to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. His performance in the preseason, particularly in special teams, will be crucial for his chances. Given the vacancy at two starting linebacker spots, the competition will be intense.