The Arizona Cardinals’ media relations department released the team’s first depth of the 2024 season on Monday.
The team opens the preseason at home on Saturday (Aug. 10) against the New Orleans Saints.
There are no surprises offensively with Kyler Murray as QB1, James Conner as RB1 and Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch (slot) starting as the three wide receivers. The offensive line is also to be expected with Paris Johnson Jr. at left tackle, Even Brown at left guard, Hjalte Froholdt at center, Will Hernandez at right guard and Jonah Williams at right tackle.
As far as notable backups offensively, Zay Jones is listed as the second slot receiver behind Dortch. Desmond Ridder has apparently edged out Clayton Tune when it comes to the backup quarterback battle. Arizona has also been rotating backup running backs throughout camp, but rookie Trey Benson got the RB2 nod over second-year back Emari Demercado. Michael Carter is way back as the team’s fifth running back. People are expecting big things from rookie tight end Tip Reiman, but he is listed as the team’s third tight end behind second-year TE Elijah Higgins.
Bilal Nichols, Roy Lopez and Justin Jones are listed as the team’s starters on the defensive line. Dennis Gardeck and Zaven Collins are the team’s top outside linebackers after BJ Ojulari tore his ACL last week. Kyzir White and Mack Wilson are both starting as inside linebackers, while Sean Murphy-Bunting, Starling Thomas V and Garrett Williams are the three starting cornerbacks. The team’s star safety duo of Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson remain atop the depth chart.
Notably, first-round DT Darius Robinson and second-round CB Max Melton are listed as backups, although both have looked really good in camp and could very well challenge for a starting spot by the time the season rolls around. Victor Dimukeje and Jesse Luketa are the backups at outside linebacker, as the team works through the absence of Ojulari.
Dortch is also the team’s kick returner with Matt Prater as the lone kicker on the roster and Blake Gillikin as the lone punter.
Stay tuned for coverage of the Cardinals leading up to their first preseason game.