The Arizona Cardinals open the 2022 NFL regular season against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 11 at State Farm Stadium.
Much like coach Kliff Kingsbury's staff, the first rendition of the Cardinals' roster doesn't have a ton of turnover. This year's roster will be a balance of veterans and young players with rookies like tight end Trey McBride, and pass-rushers Myjai Sanders and Cameron Thomas being relied upon from the get-go. But injuries could wreak havoc on Arizona's plans. Running back Jonathan Ward's status for Week 1 is uncertain due to a shoulder injury, which means rookie Keaontay Ingram may end up on the 53.
And with receiver DeAndre Hopkins suspended for the first six games, USFL star Victor Bolden may benefit with a roster spot. Like last season, the Cardinals have the offensive firepower needed to make a postseason run, especially with the boost from wide receiver Marquise Brown. The biggest question on defense, however, is who the outside corners will be and how the pass rush will fare without Chandler Jones, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as a free agent. Then there's the biggest overarching question of 2022: Can Arizona not fade down the stretch?
The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Here is a projection:
QUARTERBACK (3): Kyler Murray, Colt McCoy, Trace McSorley
McSorley may not see a down if Murray and McCoy can stay healthy, but Arizona will need him just in case.
RUNNING BACK (4): James Conner, Eno Benjamin, Darrel Williams, Jonathan Ward
The quartet of running backs could change at some point depending on Ward's AC joint injury. If he ends up on IR, look for rookie Ingram to take that spot. Ward and Williams have shown they can back up Conner if needed this season.
WIDE RECEIVER (6): Marquise Brown, A.J. Green, Rondale Moore, Antoine Wesley, Greg Dortch, Victor Bolden
With Hopkins not on the roster for the first six games, there's a good chance Bolden can fill his spot. Then it'll be up to him to force the Cardinals' hand in Week 7. Should they keep him or let him walk?
TIGHT END (3): Zach Ertz, Maxx Williams, Trey McBride
Williams has returned ahead of schedule so the Cardinals won't need to stock up at tight end beyond these three. The biggest threat to the continuity of this room right now is injuries. McBride is dealing with a back issue and Ertz has been dealing with a calf.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (10): D.J. Humphries, Justin Pugh, Rodney Hudson, Justin Murray, Kelvin Beachum, Josh Jones, Will Hernandez, Sean Harlow, Marquis Hayes, Cody Ford
The recent addition of Ford will be one of the key things to watch as the season nears. Does he start? If so, will he take over for Pugh or Hernandez and shake up the continuity of the line?
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (6): J.J. Watt, Zach Allen, Rashard Lawrence, Leki Fotu, Jonathan Ledbetter, Michael Dogbe
Dogbe has earned his spot during training camp through consistent play. But it has been Ledbetter who shined during preseason games.
LINEBACKER (10): Markus Golden, Dennis Gardeck, Devon Kennard, Victor Dimukeje, Cameron Thomas, Myjai Sanders, Zaven Collins, Isaiah Simmons, Nick Vigil, Ezekiel Turner
Outside linebacker is one of the biggest question marks for this season as the unit tries to replace Jones. Sanders and Thomas, two talented rookies, could make an instant impact. But its Gardeck and Dimukeje who will be charged with complementing Golden on the other side of the line. Simmons will have a lot of attention on him in his new star linebacker role. How he fares is anyone's guess. Collins will have a lot of pressure on him to put a disappointing rookie season behind him and shine.
CORNERBACK (4): Byron Murphy, Marco Wilson, Christian Matthew, Antonio Hamilton
This much we know: Murphy is the Cardinals CB1. But Arizona wants him inside so the battle for the two outside corners will continue with Hamilton holding a slight edge over Wilson.
SAFETY (4): Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, Deionte Thompson, Charles Washington
Training camp did nothing to change this group. It's solid and consistent and led by a Pro Bowler in Baker.
SPECIALIST (3): Matt Prater (kicker), Andy Lee (punter), Aaron Brewer (long-snapper)
This trio is the definition of if it ain't broke, don't fix it.