TEMPE, Ariz. — Building an NFL roster can be like putting together a 53-piece jigsaw puzzle. After identifying the corner pieces, the front office needs to find the players who are the right fit for the team to complete the big picture.
“You see certain guys, the opportunities come up, and they take advantage of them. That's what the league's about, really,” Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said. “I think a lot of our guys have done that throughout OTAs and training camp and in preseason games.”
Gannon says everything is on the table, including keeping five running backs. But which players made the strongest impression on Head Coach Jonathan Gannon ahead of the roster cut deadline?
“I would say a lot of our rookies did a really good job practicing the right way, preparing the right way, going out, making plays, you know, busting their butt. I think the entire rookie class did a good job,” Gannon said.
There’s been a setback for standout rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson who is dealing with a calf injury sustained during practice last Thursday. Gannon wouldn’t speculate on the amount of time the first-round draft pick is going to miss but noted that “when he’s ready to go, he’ll go.” While Robinson’s injury is a blow to the defense, Gannon is pleased with the depth and the pieces available to work with on the defensive front.
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“We’ve got some versatile guys in there that can wear a couple different hats, which is good. It helps the defense and helps fourth down a little bit,” Gannon said. “Just got to figure out the pieces of the puzzle and put them in position to make plays.”
The Cardinals kick off their season against the Bills in Buffalo on Sept. 8.
Follow the conversation with Lina Washington on X and Instagram: @LWashingtonTV. If you have a sports story idea, email Lina at LWashington@12News.com.
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