THE STORY: DENVER — Jonathan Gannon got his last chance to see the back half of his roster Sunday, with time short of what the Cardinals will look like for its initial 53-man roster.
The outcome of Sunday’s game at Empower Field at Mile High did not matter — the Cardinals fell to 0-3 in preseason with a 38-12 loss to the Broncos — as much as how they got there. Gannon wanted more, certainly, but the hope is that he saw enough from the individuals he was targeting with his analysis.
“I appreciate the effort,” Gannon said. “Back to Arizona tonight. Time’s ticking.”
The Cardinals have to be down to 53 players by Tuesday. Gannon said the conversations would take place as soon as the Cardinals were on the plane to fly home from Colorado.
The hints of what is to come were there during the game: for example, rookie tight end Tip Reiman and rookie outside linebacker Xavier Thomas each did not play, a signal they had wrapped up their spots (although two guys for whom Tuesday should not have been a worry at this point.)
Undrafted rookie wide receiver Xavier Weaver, who has impressed in camp, did it again on Sunday with a couple of catches, including a 43-yard reception. Weaver’s spot got more likely after Friday’s announcement of the Zay Jones suspension, but playing well could only help.
“It was cool,” said Weaver, who played at the University of Colorado last year. “I am blessed to be here in this moment.
“No feelings (about Tuesday). I’m new to this so I’m just staying prepared and got my phone on standby.”
The Cardinals did deal with more injuries than any other preseason game. Quarterback Desmond Ridder is in concussion protocol after a hit late in the fourth quarter, and five other players — tackle Christian Jones (leg), cornerback Elijah Jones (ankle), safety Darren Hall (hip), running back Tony Jones Jr. (shoulder) and tight end Sage Surratt (ankle) all left the game for good with issues.
It is with that backdrop that the Cardinals assemble their final roster this week — any waiver claims would go through on Wednesday and would require extra moves — and get ready for the regular season.
Buffalo in Week 1 awaits.
