Under a cloudy sky, the Cardinals continue training camp as the clock winds down to their first preseason game. Here are the observations from Monday’s publicly open practice.
If there was a bench receiver that showed sparks, it was JoJo Ward. The former Hawai’i wideout made most of his catches when it counted during scrimmages. DeAndre Hopkins was impressive as usual, catching a dime in stride during the first scrimmage despite the defender being in a position to bat the ball away. Christian Kirk also practiced, making a few plays while A.J. Green and rookie Rondale Moore were absent.
Backup quarterback Colt McCoy also proved he has some legs of his own. During a play, he took advantage of pass coverage by running straight up the middle.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Jordan Hicks continues to come to practice despite the trade rumors that still surround him. Hicks’ professionalism was on full display, chatting with first-round pick Zaven Collins.
Hicks could be seen explaining certain things with the rookie, also talking second-year position player Isaiah Simmons. All this in light of general manager Steve Keim telling Hicks after the NFL Draft he won’t have a shot at trying to win a starting spot.
Meanwhile, J.J. Watt was seen in workout clothes on the sideline, still not practicing. Nevertheless, some banter seen from Chandler Jones and Watt ought to give the Red Sea optimism. The both of them smiling during conversations with the expectation they’ll be a great duo this season.
During the second scrimmage of practice, cornerback Malcolm Butler attempted to make a stop as the ball came to his area. Upon jumping, he landed awkwardly before getting up and holding the lower left side of his back.
Fellow corner Byron Murphy Jr. would later clear up any concerns about the two-time Super Bowl champion, saying he’s “good to go” per CardsWire.com’s Chuck Harris.
Miscellaneous Notes
Kliff Kingsbury noted post-practice that starting quarterback Kyler Murray will take first snaps against Dallas Friday. How long Murray and other starters will be on the field is still unknown for now.
Offensive lineman Shaq Calhoun and wide receiver Rico Gafford are now off the reserve/COVID-19 list.
The Cardinals announced Monday they signed defensive tackle Darius Kilgo to the roster. Kilgo is a seventh-year veteran drafted by the Broncos back in 2015. Much like Malcolm Butler, he too is a two-time Super Bowl champion. Kilgo won 50 with the Broncos and LI with the Patriots as Butler’s teammate. Kilgo has 16 career tackles and was present at the public practice on Monday.
The Cardinals also made history by becoming the very first NFL team with plans to open a sportsbook. The team’s website detailing a partnership with BetMGM Monday that a sportsbook will be available for fans in 2022. The sportsbook will be inside the stadium and follow closely after the Phoenix Suns inked a similar deal with FanDuel back in April.
Sunday, the 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame class was inducted. Among the new members were former Cardinals running back Edgerrin James and offensive guard Alan Faneca. James spent three seasons with the Bird Gang, where he rushed for 1,000+ yards twice and had 16 touchdowns. Faneca’s final year was in Arizona, his impact mostly with the Steelers over the course of 158 games in Pittsburgh.
Three seasons. Countless memories.
Congratulations on the Gold Jacket, Edge. pic.twitter.com/9QdkjCPeGu
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 9, 2021
The Cardinals’ preseason matchup against Dallas is Friday, August 13. Kickoff is 10 PM eastern time at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
Featured Image courtesy of Jose Solis
You can “Like” The Game Haus on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other great TGH writers along with Jose!
“From Our Haus to Yours”