Cardinals- Raiders preseason finale tests depth at running back, cornerback, linebacker and edge rusher
The Arizona Cardinals’ last tune-up before cut-down day will be a decisive audition for several fringe players as they host the Las Vegas Raiders in the preseason finale on Saturday night at State Farm Stadium. With the starters unlikely to play, the spotlight shifts to the players competing for the final few spots on the 53-man roster.
Five positions to watch as the Cardinals shape their final group
Running back battle near the top and beyond
James Conner and Trey Benson are set as the top two backs, but the rest of the competition will help decide the rest of the roster. Michael Carter profiles as the strongest traditional ball carrier, leading the group with a solid 4.9 yards per carry over nine regular-season games in a Cardinals uniform. Emari Demercado stands out as the best option in the passing game and pass protection, highlighted by a 43-yard kickoff in the preseason opener, though his role could shrink if Benson continues to develop. DeeJay Dallas adds value as a return man, which could be a factor when the team settles on a third back. The question remains whether the Cardinals want to carry a third back primarily for special teams or for complementary backfield skills.
Cornerback depth and the Elijah Jones question
The Cardinals drafted Elijah Jones in the third round last year, but his rookie season was disrupted by an ankle injury that landed him on IR, followed by a choppy start to this year’s camp. He’s spent time with the third-team defense, and while he showed some signs in the preseason, the competition behind the top corners remains tight. Veteran Darren Hall and Jaylon Jones have pushed for clearer paths to the roster, making Jones’ spot far from guaranteed as the Raiders contest looms.
Linebacker group remains unsettled
Linebacker is another area where Arizona could be deciding more on potential than proven performance. Akeem Davis-Gaither, a free-agent addition, is expected to contribute next to Mack Wilson Sr., but the room is far from settled. Cody Simon, a fourth-round rookie, is still adjusting to the pro game, while Owen Pappoe has flashed in training camp but hasn’t fully translated that into the preseason. Mykal Walker, signed earlier as a versatile depth option, also factors into the roster conversation. How starting snaps are distributed and which players secure the two or three final spots will be a focal point on Saturday.
Edge rusher position under the microscope
Xavier Thomas, a fifth-round pick last year, earned a rotational role in the preseason but has not yet seized a stable spot with the regular-season additions along the defensive line. Last year’s numbers—2.5 sacks and an 8.5% pressure rate—mark room for improvement. With B.J. Ojulari still ramping up from a torn ACL, the Cardinals currently have four edge rushers they’re confident will be on the roster, which tightens the competition for Thomas. He’ll need to show consistent disruption in the finale to keep his spot.
Seventh-round intrigue: Crawford vs Blount
The final decision may come down to seventh-rounder Kitan Crawford and veteran Joey Blount. Crawford has flashed big-play ability in the first two preseason games, including an interception against Kansas City, but has also had fits of inconsistency. Blount appears to be more of a depth and special-teams contributor. Both players would bring value on special teams and as rotational depth on defense, making the choice a classic late-round audition.
Other notes shaping the roster
The Cardinals’ draft status also factors in. First-rounder Walter Nolen could start the year on the physically unable to perform list, and sixth-rounder Hayden Conner is sidelined with a knee injury. Those developments amplify the importance of the remaining fringe players who could fill depth roles once the regular season arrives.
What this means for the final 53
With Kyler Murray and Jacoby Brissett in the quarterback room and six wide receivers likely locked in, the most critical decisions revolve around who can contribute on special teams, who can provide reliable depth at running back, cornerback, linebacker, and edge rusher, and who can emerge as a few versatile pieces for the 53-man roster. Saturday’s game is less about the outcome and more about the evaluations that will determine which players earn a place on the roster or the practice squad.
Summary
The preseason finale against the Raiders serves as a rapid-fire audition for the Cardinals’ depth chart, with running back, cornerback, linebacker and edge rusher spots up for grabs. The results will shape the makeup of Arizona’s final 53-man roster and set the tone for the start of the regular season, highlighting how the team values versatility, special-teams impact, and development from its late-round and free-agent additions.
Additional notes and analysis
– The emphasis on special teams suggests players like DeeJay Dallas and Blount or Crawford could swing a spot based on coverage and return duties, not just offense or defense.
– Injuries and returns from major injuries at edge rusher and along the line could broaden opportunities for players who have flashed but not yet proven themselves in game action.
– The Cardinals appear to be building a competitive, flexible roster where multiple players can contribute in various roles, which could serve them well as the season progresses.