What's Happening?
The Arizona Cardinals have announced that they will rest their starters and key players in their upcoming preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders. This decision follows a similar strategy employed during their previous game against the Denver Broncos. Head coach Jonathan Gannon aims to preserve the health and readiness of his main roster players ahead of the regular season. The Cardinals are focusing on evaluating their depth and giving opportunities to less experienced players during this final preseason matchup.
Why It's Important?
Resting starters in the preseason is a common strategy to prevent injuries and ensure that key players are in optimal condition for the regular season. For the Cardinals, this approach allows them to assess their roster depth and make informed decisions about player roles and potential roster cuts. It also provides an opportunity for backup players to showcase their skills and earn a spot on the team. The Raiders, on the other hand, may use this game to gain momentum and finalize their own roster decisions.
What's Next?
Following the preseason finale, both teams will shift their focus to the regular season. The Cardinals will need to ensure that their starters are ready to perform at a high level from the outset, while the Raiders will look to build on any positive takeaways from the preseason. Both teams will also need to make final roster decisions, cutting down to the league-mandated 53 players before the start of the regular season.