The Arizona Cardinals face the Indianapolis Colts Saturday evening on the road with a 4 p.m. Arizona time kickoff from Lucas Oil Stadium. There are a number of things to watch in the game. There are several rookies to pay attention to.
There are also a few non-rookie Cardinals players to pay attention to. In tonight’s game, these are the non-rookies to watch.
QB Desmond Ridder
Ridder started in the preseason opener but struggled. He also played against starters with a second-team offensive line and skill players. As the Colts will not play their starters, see if Ridder is better in the passing phase. He is a playmaker with his legs.
RB Emari Demercado
Demercado, coming back from a practice injury, did not play last week. He seems to have a spot on the roster secured, but it is a competitive running back room. He needs to continue to make plays as a runner, blocker and special teams player.
WR Dan Chisena
Chisena played late in the game but led the Cardinals in receiving. He is a very good special teams player and is a longshot to make the roster. But between his ability to make plays on special teams and showing out as a receiver, maybe another good showing can put him in contention for a sixth receiver spot on the roster.
OL Jon Gaines (if he plays)
Gaines has been healthy and working his way back from a torn ACL. Sitting out the preseason opener might have been part of the plan for his recovery. Will he get his first game action since tearing his ACL in the preseason finale? If he does, where he plays and how well he plays will matter, as there will be a battle for backup center and guard jobs.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
