PHX Reporter

On Saturday, the focus was on outside linebackers for the Arizona Cardinals, highlighting Zaven Collins' contract extension and BJ Ojulari's season-ending injury. The defense faces challenges with Ojulari's absence and other players like Justin Jones, Max Melton, and Kei'Trel Clark missing practice due to minor injuries.

Despite these setbacks, the defense performed well in front of a large crowd during their final full practice for a few days. "We got ripped a few days ago," Collins said. "That was probably why."

The Cardinals have scheduled a walkthrough on Monday before resuming regular practice on Tuesday. These will be the last two open practices at State Farm Stadium, with additional open practices planned in Indianapolis in about ten days.

Dennis Gardeck has taken over Ojulari's position in the first-unit OLB spot. A roster move is anticipated soon to address this change.

In other news, NFL Network reported that Fanatics has been asked by Marvin Harrison Jr.'s representatives not to sell his jersey due to an ongoing dispute regarding Harrison's deal with the company.

Saturday's practice saw record attendance with 26,000 fans present. "Having the fans out there, it almost felt game-like," wide receiver Michael Wilson remarked.

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray expressed his gratitude on social media: "Appreciate all the fans that came out today!"

The team hasn't frequently used four-wide formations but did so a couple of times on Saturday. Zach Pascal filled in as WR4 with Zay Jones still sidelined. During one play, Kyler Murray aimed for Greg Dortch but Sean Murphy-Bunting broke up the pass. Safety Darren Hall intercepted Clayton Tune off tight end Blake Whiteheart’s body, while linebacker Markus Bailey disrupted a pass intended for tight end Travis Vokolek.

Vokolek also made an impressive catch during one-on-one drills earlier in practice.

Overall, despite some setbacks, Dortch and Wilson are having strong training camps and optimism remains high for the passing game moving forward.