Rookie TE Trey McBride not expected to play in preseason opener

The second-round pick has been dealing with a back injury. Kliff Kingsbury hopes McBride can be ready for their game against the Ravens.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury wants to give rookie tight end Trey McBride playing time in the preseason so he can be prepared for a role in the offense once the regular season begins. That isn’t likely going to happen this weekend when the team takes on the Cincinnati Bengals on the road Friday in their preseason opener.

Kingsbury told reporters Wednesday it is unlikely McBride will be able to play in the opener. He has been dealing with back tightness which has kept him out of practice over the last week or so.

“After today, we just rested him,” Kingsbury said. “I doubt it will be Friday night. Hoping for Baltimore at this point.”

The Cardinals play their second preseason game at home against the Ravens next Sunday night.

McBride, drafted in the second round this year, needs the game reps so Kingsbury can trust him to be used in the regular season.

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