PHX Reporter

As the Cardinals navigated the offseason, one of the pressing questions was who would fill the CB2 role. It appears that second-year player Garrett Williams, initially expected to play the slot position as he did last year, has been frequently positioned as the other outside cornerback alongside Sean Murphy-Bunting in base defense formations. When in nickel defense, Williams transitions to the slot, with either Max Melton or Starling Thomas V taking over outside.

"Honestly it was always the plan for him when we took him," coach Jonathan Gannon stated. "He's doing a good job at it."

Given current NFL offensive strategies, Williams is likely to spend most of his time playing nickel. Melton, selected in the second round, is anticipated to strongly contend for the third cornerback spot on the field.

The return of Kyler Murray from an ACL tear garnered significant attention. However, Williams, who was a third-round pick partly due to his knee injury and was also rehabbing at season's start, seems to have made a notable recovery. The Cardinals' gamble on his return appears well-judged but led to a gradual introduction during his rookie year.

"Last year where we thought he was, health and all that, we kind of just left him in the one spot," Gannon explained. "But when we drafted him this was the plan and vision for him. It's kind of cool seeing it come to life. He can handle it."

Gannon also commended second-year offensive lineman Jon Gaines II for his progress following an ACL tear. "Very pleased" with Gaines' recovery despite significant missed time, Gannon noted that Gaines has been primarily working at guard positions during camp.

The Cardinals experienced their first injury of camp when center Hjalte Froholdt went down after being rolled up from behind. Although Froholdt initially remained on the ground, he eventually walked to the locker room unaided. Coach Gannon is expected to provide an update on Thursday; Wednesday is a day off for the team.

Evan Brown stepped into the center position after Froholdt's exit, while Gaines and rookie Isaiah Adams rotated at left guard.

Darius Robinson had a standout performance with what would have been a sack of Desmond Ridder if it were an actual game scenario.

Linebacker Owen Pappoe intercepted Clayton Tune in the end zone during an attempt to connect with Tip Reiman under double coverage. Tune subsequently completed a touchdown pass in the same end zone corner to Zach Pascal on the next play.

Marvin Harrison Jr.'s impressive catch highlighted practice drills focused on red zone plays. Despite tight coverage from Garrett Williams and drawing a pass interference penalty, Harrison secured Kyler Murray's throw in the back corner of the end zone.

The Cardinals will resume practice on Thursday with open sessions scheduled for Thursday through Saturday. Saturday will feature their annual Red and White Practice.

Caitlyn Epes/Arizona Cardinals