Arizona Cardinals to play Kyler Murray and other starters in pre-season clash with Kansas City Chiefs

“I think it’s the best thing for our team this year, honestly,” coach Jonathan Gannon said. “I think we’re at a good point with our health. We’re at a good point with our development and I think that’s this year with our team. It’s the best thing to do for our guys.”

The plan is not set in stone – Cardinals coach Gannon

None of Arizona’s starters played in pre-season last year, apart from then rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. Murray has not played warm-up games in four years.

“We got a plan but that won’t get etched into stone until these next three days happen,” Gannon said. “Just because you don’t know what’s going to happen these three days. The health of your team goes into that too, but got kind of a plan in mind.

“But that can change, too, mid-game honestly. I feel good about it though.

“I want to see us operate, make sure that we’re doing the right things. And, again, we’re not game planning. We’re not going to gameplan Kansas City or Denver or Vegas, so it’s really kind of about us, and make sure that we’re learning from those reps.

“Everybody, not just the ones – the twos and the threes, as well.”

It’s good for us, says WR Jones

Wide receiver Zay Jones has backed the idea and says he is excited to get out on the field at the weekend.

“I think it’s good for us to get out there and experience something live, go against someone else besides your own team and have those competitive reps and be able to evaluate it after and then kind of see, ‘OK, where are we at as a position group, as a unit, as a team, what do we need to improve on?’” Jones said.

“And it’ll be exciting for other guys to get an opportunity to showcase their ability as well.”