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It’s do or die for Cardinals players on bubble
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Players such as wide receiver Sean Morey are battling for a roster spot.
Ralph Freso, Tribune
A host of Cardinals probably didn’t sleep much Thursday night. And they may not again tonight.
Tonight’s final preseason game, at home at 7 p.m. vs. Denver, could decide their career fates.
With cutdown day set for Saturday, the team’s coaching staff will have to immediately evaluate the results from tonight’s game and make decisions.
“For the players, it’s miserable,” said coach Ken Whisenhunt, who was a “bubble” player himself a couple of times in his playing career.
“They know there’s a lot riding on the game. But that’s also part of the evaluation,” he said.
“Let’s face it. It’s pressure. Guys who can handle pressure and succeed in that type of environment, they’re the professionals, the ones who make the money and play on Sundays.”
At a number of positions, particularly at inside linebacker and wide receiver, “It’s really coming down … to how they play in this game.”
Whisenhunt said he made the point to his players this past week.
“That’s the business side of the NFL. I love the guys we have on this team. But unfortunately or realistically, (a number of them) are not going to be here after Saturday.”
Players battling for backup inside linebacker spots include rookie Ali Highsmith and veterans Monty Beisel, Matt Stewart and Brandon Moore. At receiver, players in the mix include Jerheme Urban, Sean Morey, Jamaica Rector and Lance Long.
The team will be cut to 53 players, then the Cardinals then can name up to eight players for a practice squad.
The Cardinals are 2-1 in the exhibition season. The Broncos, who normally don’t play their starters in the final preseason game, are 1-2.
Most of the Cardinal starters will play two series, Whisenhunt indicated, unless there are 3-and-out situations.
That will give plenty of players with less experience a shot.
“It’s a great tool,” Whisenhunt said. “Hopefully, they won’t be so focused on the negative side as they will (believe), ‘This is my chance to show what I can do and make this ballclub.’”
Broncos at Cardinals
When: 7 p.m. today
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale
TV/Radio: Channel 15/KTAR (92.3 FM)
Records: Denver 1-2; Arizona 2-1
Line: Arizona by 3
Starting QBs: Arizona will start veteran Kurt Warner while Denver may go with backup Patrick Ramsey.
Noteworthy: This is the final tuneup for both teams. Coaches will have to make roster cuts on Saturday.
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