Arizona Cardinals: Taking advantage of opportunity

With injuries starting to pile and an extra game on schedule, some players on the Arizona Cardinals roster have opportunity

Although we didn’t think it would happen this quick, the Arizona Cardinals have found themselves in a position to find more help thanks to injuries.  Also thanks to the extra game on the preseason schedule this week in Canton, Ohio, players fighting for spots will get that much more of a look in game situations.

At cornerback, we knew the troubles the team faces there.  With Justin Bethel being injured and Brandon Williams not performing at a high level yet, the Cardinals had to go get Tramon Williams on Sunday night to replace Ronald Zamort.

At running back, the extra game gives a guy like Elijhaa Penny an extra chance to show what he can do.  He currently sits behind David Johnson, Chris Johnson, Andre Ellington, and Kerwynn Williams.

That’s a tough chart to climb but not impossible.  It is also possible he plays his way back onto the practice squad as well.  But this is why they play the preseason games.  How will you perform in game action, not just practice?

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If practice was all it took, well, then quarterback Blaine Gabbert would be an all-star.  However he even slipped a bit this past weekend in the Cardinals Red-White Scrimmage.  Reviews of his performance were not that kind.

Gabbert looks to get a chance to play this Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys however.  Drew Stanton will start the game.

This week though look at the corners.  Sure, Williams was signed as a free agent but there are others in camp looking for their shot.  Guys like Sojourn Shelton, Elie Bouka, Daniel Gray, and Gump Hayes.

Receiver will also be an important spot this week.  Larry Fitzgerald isn’t playing Thursday.  John Brown won’t due to injury.  Aaron Dobson could miss at least a couple of weeks.

That means look for guys like Brittan Golden, Carlton Agudosi, Marquis Bundy, Krishawn Hogan, and Chris Hubert to try to make the most of their absences.  These guys will likely get two to three games now to show what they can do.