PHX Reporter

Elijah Higgins, who transitioned from an undrafted college wide receiver to a tight end, played a career-high 40 snaps out of the Cardinals' 59 offensive plays in their game against the Commanders. He had three targets and two catches. The team felt the absence of Trey McBride in bolstering their offense.

Travis Vokolek participated in 12 snaps at tight end during his first game of the year, while Tip Reiman was on the field for 25 snaps.

Running back James Conner recorded 104 rushing yards over 34 snaps, marking his first time this season playing less than 60 percent of the offensive snaps. Emari Demercado took part in 14 snaps, and Trey Benson saw most of his 11 snaps late in the game.

Marvin Harrison Jr. led the wide receivers with 54 snaps, followed by Michael Wilson with 50 and Greg Dortch with 43. Zach Pascal and Chris Moore each had six snaps. Wide receiver Zay Jones is set to return from suspension next week after the game against the 49ers.

Defensively, inside linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. played his highest percentage of snaps this season with participation in 61 out of 72 total plays despite a brief visit to the medical tent. Starting outside linebackers Zaven Collins and Dennis Gardeck were both under 50 percent participation, with Collins at 34 snaps and Gardeck at 33.

Safeties Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson, along with inside linebacker Kyzir White, played every defensive snap this week.

At cornerback, Sean Murphy-Bunting and Garrett Williams each logged 67 snaps. Starling Thomas V participated in 56 snaps, while Max Melton had 21. Following Collins and Gardeck among outside linebackers were Julian Okwara with 20 snaps and Xavier Thomas with seven.

On the defensive line, Roy Lopez led with a position-high of 51 snaps. L.J. Collier followed with 42, Dante Stills and Bilal Nichols each had 39, and Angelo Blackson contributed with his presence on the field for 24 plays.

### Pete Vander Stoep/Arizona Cardinals

### TE Elijah Higgins

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