Arizona Cardinals Training Camp Notebook: Day 2

GLENDALE -- The Arizona Cardinals just wrapped up the second day of training camp practice - though today was a bit special, as the Red Sea was officially invited to come watch their favorite team for the first time in 2025.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon prepped the troops for a "high tempo day" with fans in seats - though we didn't see much action.

Perhaps the play of the afternoon came via sophomore wideout Marvin Harrison Jr., who ran a fantastic route and reeled in a pass from Kyler Murray over the shoulder against safety Jalen Thompson:

Cardinals Position Players Making Plays

Such a great rep by Marvin Harrison Jr. here 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/yzOrIYarpW
— Donnie Druin (@DonnieDruin) July 24, 2025

Harrison was heavily involved in action throughout the course of practice, and his presence as a safety net for Murray moving into 2025 could be forming in front of our eyes.

Fellow receiver Quez Watkins also made a nice catch down the field with the second-team offense on a deep crossing pattern. With the Cardinals missing a speedster who can take the top off a defense downfield, Watkins made a nice introduction today.

It wasn't just all offense at practice, as cornerback Starling Thomas made a nice pass breakup during seven-on-seven drills after Murray broke the pocket and extended the play.

The second and third-team defense also had a few good stops, as both units forced fumbles against Arizona's receivers.

Big Play Star Thomas 🌟 pic.twitter.com/XBsnHu4sTa
— Donnie Druin (@DonnieDruin) July 24, 2025

The end of practice provided a scare, however, as linebacker JJ Russell and defensive back Kitan Crawford collided - which ultimately saw Russell carried off the field via stretcher/cart.

In an official update, the Cardinals offered the following:

"JJ Russell is being evaluated for a head & neck injury suffered in this afternoon's practice. He was alert on the field & had movement in all his extremities. He has been taken to a local hospital for further testing & continued evaluation."

All eyes are on different position battles on defense - particularly at cornerback and inside linebacker.

The Cardinals rotated all of Akeem Davis-Gaither, Cody Simon and Owen Pappoe at linebacker next to Mack Wilson during first team drills today. It seems as if Arizona will take a committee approach to the position until a solidified second starter emerges.

The same could be said for corner, as a combination of Max Melton, Will Johnson and Starling Thomas rotated as boundary corners with Garrett Williams anchoring his typical nickel spot during first team activities.

Other notes from today

When speaking with reporters after practice, Calais Campbell said he told Walter Nolen to let his calf injury completely heal instead of trying to rush back.
None of the three Cardinals offensive units really pushed the ball down the field today, though backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett looked composed with the second team offense.
Backup running back Emari Demercado busted off a nice long run down the left side of the field in the first part of team activities.
Cornerback Jaden Davis left practice early today with a trainer. His injury currently isn't known.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon said right tackle Jonah Williams has been "unbelievable" in his return to action/working back from rehab.

The Cardinals will practice on Friday and have Saturday off.