Cardinals on Roster Bubble to Track in Saturday's Preseason Finale vs. Titans
Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury said Thursday there are still roster spots to be had, albeit starting positions are nearly set.
Saturday's preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans will be the final evaluation opportunity for those fighting for one of the 53, and the roster cutdown is next week.
Kingsbury will not throw out his veteran starters, and even younger players Zaven Collins and Marco Wilson will be game-day decisions.
"We want to see how some of these young guys close up camp," Kingsbury said. "Some spots to be had, and they're gonna get a great look."
So let’s go over a few examples of players who will take the field and could use a big day to get over the top.
Andy Isabella
So far, so good for Isabella this preseason as he has caught nine passes for 111 yards and drawn multiple pass interference calls.
The 2019 second-rounder also been a training camp standout after an underwhelming first three NFL seasons.
"Right now is the best football I've been playing," Isabella said Sunday. "I have confidence I could play out there, no worries at all. Whatever happens, I'm excited for the future."
DeAndre Hopkins’ suspension opens a roster spot for the first six weeks, which helps Isabella's case to make the initial 53-man team.
Josh Jackson
The veteran cornerback had a strong start to camp, but had some down moments last week against the Baltimore Ravens.
Because of the cornerback room’s lack of depth and now there being a mysterious ailment with Antonio Hamilton, Jackson has an opportunity to earn a productive role.
Arizona has yet to add a veteran corner to the mix since Jackson signed in June.
Saturday is his chance to make a strong final pitch that the team needs him.
Chandler Wooten
The undrafted rookie linebacker out of Auburn was a standout defender against the Ravens with two tackles for loss and an interception. He was flying around the field.
The Cardinals have veterans at the position surrounding Collins like Nick Vigil, Tanner Vallejo, Ezekiel Turner and Joe Walker, and Wooten may have to leapfrog multiple players to have a shot at the active roster.
His mindset right now is to stay calm and do his thing.
"You don't ever want to go out there and try to press to make plays and stuff like that," Wooten said. "I think just going out there, supposed to be a Mike 'backer, being calm and collected, just getting everybody lined up, that's my job."
Can he keep up the momentum from last week?
Darrel Williams
Williams hasn’t gotten much run this preseason compared to his RB2 competition counterparts.
He is the veteran of the group behind James Conner, and has more NFL production than Jonathan Ward, Eno Benjamin and rookie Keaontay Ingram combined in terms of scrimmage yards.
Williams has one carry for three yards this preseason.
Benjamin showed out all summer while Ward has had a great preseason before hurting his shoulder last week. Williams could use a moment, even if his carries are limited.
Christian Matthew
The 2022 seventh-rounder has had his moments during training camp and the preseason, especially his first game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
He has the physical tools of an outside corner and is in a thin position group.
With Wilson a question mark and Hamilton out for Saturday's game, Matthew is set to see the field a lot with his direct position competitors, Jackson and Jace Whittaker.
