The Arizona Cardinals are gearing up for a notable preseason matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs this Saturday, marking the return of quarterback Kyler Murray to the field for his first preseason action since 2021. Head coach Jonathan Gannon announced this decision in a team meeting, emphasizing the importance of allowing starters, including Murray, to gain valuable game-time experience, an approach that starkly contrasts their strategy from the previous preseason when few starters participated.
“We’re at a good point with our health,” Gannon stated, expressing his belief that the team is ready to utilize this opportunity for development. Last year, many key players, such as running back James Conner and safety Budda Baker, were rested, which limited their chance to build chemistry and refine skills through live competition.
Murray’s last preseason appearance was against the Chiefs four years ago, where he faced a challenging outing with minimal yardage gained. However, in his earlier rookie season, he played in three of four preseason games, cultivating a foundation for his professional journey. This Saturday’s game will hopefully allow him and the starters to better prepare for the regular season, although Gannon notes that their exact playing time will depend on team health and performance in the lead-up to the game.
Wide receiver Zay Jones reflected the sentiment within the team, highlighting the value of competing against another team for gaining essential live experience. He underscored that preseason games allow players to evaluate their performance and identify areas for improvement, which is particularly beneficial for younger players.
“It’s exciting for other guys to showcase their ability,” Jones remarked, noting that these reps can help build confidence for all players involved. Gannon reinforced this notion, stating that preseason games offer crucial learning opportunities and facilitate growth not just for starters, but for the entire roster, including backup players.
This shift in strategy by the Cardinals could signal a more prepared and cohesive team entering the regular season, with a focus on development that emphasizes experience and competitive play.