GLENDALE – Ahead of his team traveling to the Mile High City for their joint practice and Week 2 preseason game, Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon mentioned that the starters status will be decided on Thursday. Gannon wanted to come to a decision after the joint practice with the Denver Broncos, and it appears he’s reach a decision. Broncos head coach Sean Payton spoke to the media about the status of both teams starters ahead of Saturday’s game.
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Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon talks to players on the sideline during the team’s practice at State Farm Stadium on July 29, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Payton on status of Broncos and Cardinals starters:
“Neither Jonathan (Gannon) or I will play the 1s. There’ll be a few, five or six players on an eight-play pitch count that we consider 1s, but maybe lack reps. We’re going to feature the 2s. There will be a group in the first half and a second half.”
August 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton watches warm ups before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Unsurprisingly, neither side will give extended reps to the starters to avoid any injury scares. Arizona has had an extensive injury report through training camp and aren’t interested on adding to the list.
The “five or six” players that Payton is referencing could be infer as rookies, like CB Will Johnson, that the coaching staff want to see get extra reps before their official NFL debut. Gannon likely won’t have any offensive starters in the game, with the injury history to key players.
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Xavier Weaver (89) celebrates a touchdown catch with Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Josh Fryar (78) against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Saturday’s game will foreshadow plenty of Cardinals players that could become important if an injury strikes later in the season. Many backups have already impressed in last week’s preseason opener, with cornerbacks Darren Hall and Kitan Crawford both getting picks, this week will be no different.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
