The Arizona Cardinals prepare to face the Los Angeles Chargers this week in their season opener. As part of that, they released their first depth chart of the year. Most of it was as expected, but there were a few things of note.
The quarterback situation is as expected. The starting offensive line was as expected, but there are a few things to note.
Jeremiyah Love on the bench
Love, the third overall pick in the draft, is not the Cardinals' starting running back. That title belongs to Tyler Allgeier, signed in the offseason in free agency. This is something in name only, as both will have significant roles in the offense. But it is interesting to see that one of the most highly touted players in the draft is going to be on the bench instead of starting.
Jeremiyah Love, Max Melton as kick returners
Love had a few kick
return reps at the very beginning of OTAs. He didn't do it in training camp and didn't do it in the preseason. However, he is listed as the third kick returner behind Devin Duvernay and Max Melton. Melton also hasn't returned any kicks in the NFL.
It is weird because the Cardinals also have running back Bam Knight and receiver Jalen Brooks, both of whomo have experience returninig kicks.
Inside linebacker job set
As expected, Jack Gibbens is listed as the starter alongside Mack Wilson. Cody Simon is listed behind Wilson as the backup "Mike." He will likely get some snaps in the defensive rotation, though.
Darius Robinson benched
Robinson, a former first-round pick, is not a starter. Dante Stills is listed ahead of him at left defensive tackle.
Baron Browning, Zaven Collins equal
Both are listed with an or between them as a starting outside linebacker opposite Josh Sweat. This was the case for much of last season, too.
Dewey over Rabbit
Andrew Wingard is the starting free safety, replacing Jalen Thompson. Rabbit Taylor-Demerson will be the No. 3 safety as he was last season. He is listed as the No. 2 strong safety behind Budda Baker.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals depth chart: 6 week 1 observations
