The Arizona Cardinals opened the preseason against the New Orleans Saints on defense, as the Saints won the coin toss and elected to receiver first. The Cardinals had only two possible projected starters in the lineup.
The two players who might start in Week 1 was defensive lineman Roy Lopez, listed as the No. 1 nose tackle, and cornerback Starling Thomas.
Thomas will have to hold off rookie second-round pick Max Melton to start once the season begins.
Who were the rest of the starters?
- Defensive line: Lopez, Darius Robinson, L.J. Collier
- Outside linebacker: Jesse Luketa and Victor Dimukeje
- Inside linebacker: Krys Barnes and Owen Pappoe
- Cornerback: Thomas, Divaad Wilson, with Kei’Trel Clark coming in to play the slot
- Safety: Joey Blount, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson
Cameron Thomas, Dante Stills, Tyreke Smith and Xavier Thomas subbed in with the starters.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.