Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon announced Thursday that he plans to sit Arizona’s starters and key players during Saturday’s preseason finale against the Raiders. This approach mirrors the team’s strategy in its second exhibition game against Denver, according to Darren Urban of the Cardinals’ official site.
Quarterback Kyler Murray and other starters played only the first two possessions in Arizona’s preseason opener against Kansas City on Aug. 9. Since then, Gannon has seen enough from his starting unit in practices to feel confident ahead of Week 1. Reports throughout training camp have noted a stronger connection between Murray and wide receiver Marvin Harrison. This development comes as Arizona made no significant changes to its skill-position group from last season.
Murray and Harrison will have their next chance to build on their on-field relationship when the regular season begins in New Orleans on Sunday, Sept. 7.
Zach Gershman of the Cardinals’ official site reports, “Harrison and QB Kyler Murray are operating with a greater rapport ahead of the 2025 season (…) Murray and WR Marvin Harrison have improved their rapport ahead of the 2025 season.”
Additional updates from recent games show that several Arizona players sat out or had limited participation in preseason matchups. Wide receiver Michael Wilson did not play in Saturday’s loss to Denver, while running back Trey Benson also missed playing time in that contest. Emari Demercado filled both rushing and return duties during that game, while Michael Carter received an increased workload.
Backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed six of eight passes for 57 yards with one touchdown in the loss to Denver, also adding a two-yard rush.
In earlier preseason action, Benson logged nine carries for 29 yards against Kansas City, James Conner ran three times for eleven yards, and Harrison caught one pass for fifteen yards during Arizona’s win over Kansas City.
