The Arizona Cardinals went through a roster teardown in 2023. Their largely veteran and aging roster in 2022 became one of the youngest in 2023. Between rebuilding and so many injuries suffered, especially on defense, the Cardinals had to rely on rookies more than any other team in the NFL.
The Cardinals had 14 different rookies appear in games this season. They had 14 rookies on the active roster over the last two weeks of the season, the most they have had at end of the season since 2002.
Arizona’s rookie played more than any other team’s rookies. They played a combined 4,654 offensive and defensive snaps, the most in the NFL. They were the only team whose rookies had at least 2,000 offensive snaps and at least 2,000 defensive snaps.
Their 2,351 rookie defensive snaps led the NFL. Their 2,303 rookie offensive snaps were fifth in the league.
The Cardinals had 64 combined rookie starts, the most in the NFL by nine. The Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams had the second-most rookie starts with 55.
Eleven different rookies started games for Arizona, also the most in the league. Tennessee was second with 10.
Per the team’s media relations department, Arizona’s rookie class combined for 151 games played, seven touchdowns, 73 receptions, 847 receiving yards, 314 rushing yards, 206 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, 13 pass breakups, a fumble recovery and one interception.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
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