PHX Reporter

During one of Jonathan Gannon's extensive responses on Tuesday about wide receiver Greg Dortch, the 5-foot-7 fan favorite who has transitioned from a 2021 camp body to an expected starter in 2024, he briefly paused.

"He's going to have a big year, guys," the coach said.

This is not a comment Gannon makes lightly. Dortch understands its significance.

"I love to hear that from the guy who runs everything," Dortch said. "It feels great but it's not here yet. I still have to go and put in the work, I still have to show up every single day and be consistent. That's what this job takes. It feels good to have people believe in you, but if I don't put in the work and it doesn't show on Sunday, it doesn't mean anything."

Dortch, 26, has faced numerous challenges throughout his career. He was two days away from flying to Canada to join the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the CFL when the Cardinals called him. At that time, they had DeAndre Hopkins and Christian Kirk and seemingly no long-term need for a short return man from Wake Forest.

Yet now he stands as a starter alongside Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson on the initial depth chart—a significant placement despite Gannon's downplaying of preseason lists.

"I would be lying if I said it doesn't," Dortch acknowledged.

In 2022, Dortch recorded 52 catches while filling in for Hopkins during his suspension or injuries. That number dropped to 24 last season due partly to changes in the Cardinals' offense. However, his yards per catch increased to 11.7, with impactful plays such as his ankle-breaking touchdown catch-and-run in Chicago or his crucial play on a game-winning drive at Philadelphia.

Gannon expects more than just sporadic highlights from his roster and sees potential in Dortch.

"G has got this look in his eye that he's just ready to fight," Gannon said. "He's ready to go all the time; he's about ball... In stretch lines today, if you walked by and shook his hand, you'd see the look in his eye that he's ready to buckle up and play football."

Though Dortch did not receive as much playing time as he hoped last season, he has learned patience through his journey. He resonates with Gannon’s approach—being among the first arrivals at practice and one of the last to leave—and has taken on a mentorship role within the receiving group.

"I don't feel like I've made it, but I feel like I've gained respect and earned that," Dortch stated.

The upcoming opener against Buffalo will test Dortch's progress with his entire family scheduled to attend. While already a fan favorite—a status he deeply appreciates—he remains aware of its precarious nature.

"I go out on Sunday and I drop a pass; it might be 'F Greg Dortch,' Know what I'm saying?" he remarked. "It comes with it."

Gannon believes Dortch has yet to reach his full potential despite leaving many highlights during training camp thus far. If realized fully, this could culminate into an unforgettable chapter of an already remarkable story for Dortch.

"It's been a storm," Dortch reflected, "but I wouldn't change anything."

**Froholdt & Zay Jones Return**

The Cardinals resumed practice with a light workout following their break. Three players who missed most of last week—center Hjalte Froholdt, wide receiver Zay Jones, and cornerback Kei'Trel Clark—returned for participation while cornerbacks Max Melton and Garrett Williams along with defensive lineman Justin Jones were absent.

The team is set for full padded practice on Wednesday—the final open session at State Farm portion of camp—with two open workouts scheduled next week in Indianapolis.