GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Cardinals open the 2024 NFL regular season at the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 8 at New Era Field.
There are a number of positions -- cornerback, safety, running back and, possibly, wide receiver -- that will keep general manager Monti Ossenfort and coach Jonathan Gannon up at night. A source told ESPN that it wouldn't be a surprise if the back-up quarterback isn't on the roster as of now.
The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Here is a projection for the Cardinals:
QUARTERBACK (2): Kyler Murray, Clayton Tune
Throughout the preseason, Tune has consistently outplayed Desmond Ridder, whom Arizona traded for in March, giving Tune the leg up to be Murray's backup. That Ridder was traded for won't factor into the Cardinals' decision, but there's also a chance the backup isn't on the roster as of yet.
RUNNING BACKS (4): James Conner, Trey Benson, Michael Carter, DeeJay Dallas
This will be one of the positions that was made a bit tougher to decide after training camp. Demercado reported in great shape and continued to show why he was productive last season, especially on third down. Benson's progress will be the determining factor in whether Demercado will make the team.
WIDE RECEIVERS (6): Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch, Chris Moore, Zach Pascal, Dan Chisena.
Zay Jones' five-game suspension will change Arizona's approach to the receivers room a bit. Beyond the first three, Arizona could go a variety of directions with filling out pass catchers. Pascal, who has a history with coach Jonathan Gannon and brings experience to a young corps, will have an increased role. Xavier Weaver and Andre Baccellia could make a case for the last receiver spot and easily supplant Chisena.
TIGHT ENDS (3): Trey McBride, Tip Reiman, Elijah Higgins
One of the most pleasant surprises for the Cardinals during camp has been the development of Reiman as a pass catcher after becoming known for his blocking in college. McBride will continue to be a breakout star and Higgins emerged as another passing threat in offensive coordinator Drew Petzing's scheme.
OFFENSIVE LINE (11): Paris Johnson Jr., Will Hernandez, Hjalte Froholdt, Evan Brown, Jonah Williams, Elijah Wilkinson, Jon Gaines II, Kelvin Beachum, Christian Jones, Isaiah Adams, Trystan Colon.
Versatility is theme of this year's offensive line room and mostly everyone can play more than one position. Gaines is back from an ACL injury and Wilkinson has shown that he can play in any situation after being a starter last season. Colon has been consistent during camp and Adams, a rookie, has shown he can play at this level.
DEFENSIVE LINES (6): Justin Jones, Bilal Nichols, Darius Robinson, Dante Stills, L.J. Collier, Roy Lopez.
The investment in the defensive line this offseason has paid off thus far for Arizona, which boasts talent and depth. Robinson will be able to play inside and outside, while Collier has been standing out consistently.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS (5): Zaven Collins, Dennis Gardeck, Xavier Thomas, Cameron Thomas, Victor Dimukeje.
Another position that will be difficult to decide. Arizona lost BJ Ojulari to a torn ACL earlier this month after he had made a strong case to be a starter. Xavier Thomas has shined throughout camp, but Cameron Thomas and Dimukeje have shown enough to warrant spots on a roster.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS (4): Kyzir White, Krys Barnes, Mack Wilson Sr., Owen Pappoe.
White and Wilson Sr. have become close on and of the field, and Pappoe has been taken significant strides this camp. This may be one of the most veteran and savvy positions on the roster.
CORNERBACKS (5): Sean Murphy-Bunting, Garrett Williams, Starling Thomas V, Max Melton, Elijah Jones
Another position that won't be easy to sort through. Melton has shown he can start in the NFL and Thomas has built on his rookie season in ways that could see him get starts, as well. The last position, should five or more be kept, will be the trickiest to decide. Jones has looked solid, but Divaad Wilson, Bobby Price and Kei'Trel Clark could all be part of the turnstile at the bottom of the corner room.
SAFETIES (4): Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Andre Chachere
A couple players have made their cases to be considered for the roster at safety. Joey Blount and Darren Hall have played well, but the question will be whether it's good enough to unseat Chachere, who has a history with Gannon. Taylor-Demerson will be given time to grow into the position because of Garrett Williams' usage at nickel corner, allowing Taylor-Demerson time to continue to grow.
SPECIALISTS (3): K Matt Prater, P Blake Gillikin, LS Aaron Brewer
When the Cardinals released long-snapper Joe Shimko, they gave the job to Brewer yet again, keeping him together with Prater.