The Arizona Cardinals take on the Cincinnati Bengals in their preseason opener Friday at 4:30 p.m. Arizona time in Cincinnati. Almost none of the team’s starters will play in the game.
However, a select few possible starters and players who have a chance to make significant contributions once the regular season rolls around will play, according to Kliff Kingsbury on Wednesday.
Who are those players?
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CB Marco Wilson
Wilson was one player named specifically by Kingsbury as one of the guys who would play. He started last year and likely will this year but still has to prove himself.
LB Zaven Collins
Collins should be an important player on defense in his second season. But because is in his second season and has not yet proven himself, he will play. He was named by Kingsbury as a guy who will get some work. He needs game reps and opportunities to show he can be the guy the Cardinals need him to be in the middle of the field.
LB Dennis Gardeck
Gardeck will get to play and show whether he can be a starter opposite Markus Golden. Considering he has 267 career defensive snaps, he still could use the reps, especially playing more than special packages.
DL Rashard Lawrence
He is slated to be the team’s starting nose tackle but only enters his third season and is listed on the depth chart as a guy who should get lots of preseason participation. He only has 385 career defensive snaps.
DL Leki Fotu
Fotu will be a rotational player in 2022 but needs experience still.
RB Eno Benjamin
Benjamin won’t be a starter this year. That job belongs to James Conner, but Benjamin has impressed this offseason. Now he will get to show it in game situations. He is competing for the No. 2 role behind Conner.
