The Arizona Cardinals are preparing to meet the Kansas City Chiefs in their second preseason game this Saturday. Head coach Jonathan Gannon has been clear that the team’s healthy starters — including soon-to-be third-year starter quarterback Kyler Murray — will take the field. This is a major departure from a year ago. With a good number of the primary starters resting, it provided a wider lens to evaluate the team this year.
Kyler Murray’s participation in this preseason game will be particularly noteworthy, as it will be his first action since 2021. His most recent preseason game was an appearance almost four years ago against the Chiefs. In that game, on those seven drop backs he attempted four total passes—completing one for two yards!—was sacked twice and picked up eight rushing yards. The Cardinals’ coaching staff believes that having Murray and other starters play in the preseason will provide valuable insights into their performance and readiness for the regular season.
Gannon emphasized the importance of this approach, stating that playing starters in the preseason offers the coaching staff a better opportunity to evaluate their skills and teamwork. He stated, “I think it’s the best thing for our team this year, honestly.” He made clear that the next three days would be critical for finalizing the roster plans. Even strong performance during this short time will not be enough to avoid significant changes.
“Everybody, not just the ones — the twos and the threes, as well,” Gannon noted, highlighting his intent to assess not only the starters but backup players. He believes that preseason games serve as “the best form of learning where growth can take place,” allowing players to experience live competition against teams outside their own.
James Conner, along with other key starters, such as Trey McBride, did not play at all last preseason. This year’s strategy is a departure from that, with the intent of developing talent throughout the whole roster. Gannon said that he just wants to see the team start playing more as a unit and making sure that they’re doing the right things on their plays.
We have a good plan but that won’t be carved in the stone until after these next three days go by,” Gannon said. This adaptive approach allows for rapid course corrections. It reacts based on players performances in practice and their game against Kansas City.
Veteran offensive lineman Josh Jones is looking forward to this preseason action after missing last year due to a five-game suspension. As he heads into his ninth season, Jones has participated in 15 preseason games over his entire career. He’s well aware of how critical these opportunities are for his development.
Jones added, “I think it’s awesome for us to go out there and just see something live. Let’s go compete against some other people that aren’t on our roster! It allows us to evaluate ourselves and see what we need to improve on as a position group and a team.”
Gannon said he was thrilled with the new emphasis on preseason action. He hopes to set up chances for teammates to showcase their talents. He acknowledged the competitive aspect of these games is key to evaluating how the team is doing.
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