Cardinals depth on display after preseason loss

Which players boosted their stock and which ones faded as Arizona fell to Denver in a preseason game.

Cardinals face depth scramble after preseason loss to Broncos

Arizona fell 27-7 to Denver in a preseason game that clarified who might survive the 53-man cut. Kitan Crawford, a 2025 seventh-round pick, started at safety and finished with six tackles, building on an earlier interception against Kansas City. His steady play on defense and his value on special teams strengthen a case for a backend role as the roster tightens. Simi Fehoko also moved the needle, catching a 16-yard touchdown and totaling two receptions for 21 yards while contributing energy on kickoff cover units. Tejhaun Palmer dropped an early pass, a miss that likely hurts his odds in the wide receiver battle alongside Fehoko.

On the rookie front, Will Johnson and Denzel Burke flashed promise but showed growing pains. Johnson chased down Evan Engram and drew penalties, while Burke had a couple of pass breakups and looked faster on the field. Hayden Conner started at center but left with a knee injury, forcing Jon Gaines II into action. At quarterback, Jacoby Brissett continued to lead the offense efficiently, while Clayton Tune remains in a precarious position as teams trim depth at several spots.

Rosters races tighten as the Cardinals balance potential late cuts with the need for depth. Crawford's surge at safety and Fehoko's return give Arizona tangible reasons to keep players who can contribute on special teams. Brissett is providing steady command of the offense, while Tune’s path to playing time remains narrow. The game also underscores the value of live reps, a theme coach Jonathan Gannon reiterated after the loss.

Defensive backfield work and penalties reveal a training culture where technique must translate to the lights. Johnson's push for starting minutes shows promise but the penalties remind the staff to iron out fundamentals. Burke's growth hints at roster flexibility in the cornerback group, and Conner's knee issue highlights how quickly interior line depth can shift. The final preseason game will decide the last few spots and set the tone for how the team weighs development against immediate contribution.

Highlights

With one preseason game left, the path to the 53-man roster will hinge on consistency and clean play under pressure.