Preseason Updates: Arizona Cardinals

The Footballguys staff gives you all the preseason tidbits from the Cardinals.

Footballguys Staff's Preseason Updates: Arizona Cardinals Footballguys Staff Published 08/25/2025

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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.

Updates from Week 4

Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks

Kyler Murray will be the starting quarterback. He notes this is the best he has felt within the offense going into the third season within the scheme. Jacoby Brissett will be the backup. He had a great camp and preseason. Brissett displayed his competency to run the offense and fill a need Arizona has coveted at QB2. Third-stringer Clayton Tune played the entire final preseason game. He completed 12/20 passes for 83 yards and one touchdown. Tune is on the roster bubble, as Arizona only kept two quarterbacks to start the 2024 season.

Preseason Updates: Running Backs

James Conner will be the lead running back. Trey Benson will complement Conner and will be allowed to have a meaningful role. Arizona has a run-heavy scheme, and both running backs look to contribute. The coaching staff and QB Murray have displayed confidence in Benson. Emari Demercado took the first reps during third-down situations throughout camp. He adds versatility as the top pass blocker within the unit. Dallas has been the primary kick returner. Demercado did see kick-off reps during the preseason. There has been no recent news that the third-down role has changed off Demercado. Michael Carter continues to make plays when he has the opportunity. He was on the practice squad last season. Zonovan Knight played well, but a strong running back group puts him on the bubble. He had the most rushing yards over expectation among all NFL running backs in the preseason. Arizona had four running backs on the 53-man roster to enter last season. It is unclear who will be cut or placed on the practice squad.

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