The joint practices are over, the pads have been strapped on, and anticipation builds as Week 2 of the NFL preseason arrives. The Arizona Cardinals head to Denver to face the Broncos tonight, but fans shouldn’t expect to see their franchise quarterback or star defenders taking meaningful snaps. This game belongs to the backups, rookies, and bubble players fighting for their NFL lives.
Will the Arizona Cardinals Starters Play Against the Denver Broncos?
The answer is a resounding no. Following joint practices on Thursday, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton made it clear that both teams plan to rest most of their starters for Saturday’s matchup.
“Neither Jonathan (Gannon) or I will play the 1s,” Payton explained. “There’ll be a few, five or six players on an eight-play pitch count that we consider 1s, but maybe lack reps. We’re going to feature the 2s.”
The Cardinals and Broncos aren’t expected to play their starters in Saturday’s preseason game, head coach Sean Payton told reporters.
“We’re going to feature the 2s.” https://t.co/T6eZQRMR92
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) August 14, 2025
This approach marks a dramatic shift from the Cardinals’ Week 1 preseason strategy. Against the Kansas City Chiefs, Arizona gave several key starters meaningful playing time. Kyler Murray took two drives, opening with an interception but quickly bouncing back with sharp completions to Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. The quarterback also showcased his mobility, scrambling for 9 yards on the ground.
Meanwhile, defensive veterans like Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson set the physical tone early, reminding everyone why they anchor Arizona’s defensive front. Those appearances served their purpose, giving starters a chance to shake off any rust and build chemistry with new teammates.
However, with just two weeks remaining before regular season games begin counting in the standings, the priority has shifted entirely to injury prevention. Murray, whose long-term future in Arizona continues generating discussion, will spend Saturday night on the sidelines. His real evaluation comes when September arrives, not during mid-August exhibitions.
What Does This Mean for the Cardinals’ Roster Battles?
Tonight’s game transforms into a showcase for Arizona’s depth players and newcomers. Young defenders will receive extended opportunities to prove they can handle increased responsibilities when called upon during the regular season. Position battles at cornerback, linebacker, and along the offensive line will unfold under the bright lights of Denver.
For players fighting to make the final 53-man roster, this represents their most significant audition. Special teams contributors, developmental prospects, and veteran depth pieces all understand that strong performances tonight could be the difference between making the team or searching for opportunities elsewhere.
The Cardinals enter the 2025 season with renewed optimism after their successful 2024 campaign. They finished 8-9 and claimed third place in the NFC West, doubling their win total from the previous season.
While that record fell short of postseason qualification, it demonstrated clear organizational progress in one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions. So no, fans won’t witness Murray engineering touchdown drives or see Campbell terrorizing opposing quarterbacks tonight.
Instead, they’ll get a glimpse of Arizona’s future, watching the next wave of Cardinals talent compete for their chance to contribute to what many believe could be a special 2025 season.
