PHX Reporter

No Garrett Williams meant someone else had to step up in the secondary during Sunday's game against the 49ers. The Cardinals responded by increasing rookie safety Rabbit Taylor-Demerson's playtime, along with second-year cornerback Kei'Trel Clark. Taylor-Demerson participated in 22 of 64 snaps, while Clark was involved in 21 snaps. Williams missed the game due to a groin injury.

Taylor-Demerson received a team-high grade of 91.8 from Pro Football Focus for his performance. In the rest of the secondary, safety Budda Baker played all snaps, and Jalen Thompson and Sean Murphy-Bunting were on for 63 snaps each. Rookie cornerback Max Melton increased his involvement with 32 snaps, sharing time with Starling Thomas V who had 33 snaps.

On the defensive line, L.J. Collier led with 39 snaps, followed by Roy Lopez with 36 and Bilal Nichols who returned after missing time due to injury concerns with 28 snaps. Other contributors included Dante Stills (27), Naquan Jones (19), and Khyiris Tonga (19).

Inside linebackers Kyzir White and Mack Wilson Sr. delivered strong performances with White playing every snap and Wilson Sr. contributing significantly as well. Krys Barnes made an early impact with a sack but only played in limited action thereafter.

The outside linebacker group saw Zaven Collins leading in participation alongside Dennis Gardeck, Julian Okwara, and Jesse Luketa who was active for the first time this season.

Trystan Colon stepped in at guard following Will Hernandez's knee injury which reportedly sidelines him for the season. Colon also covered some plays at left guard for Evan Brown.

Among wide receivers, Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch, Zach Pascal, and Chris Moore saw varying levels of playtime based on game strategy emphasizing different formations like "13 personnel." Tight ends Trey McBride returned strongly after recovering from an injury alongside Tip Reiman and Elijah Higgins.

Running back James Conner led his position group while Emari Demercado provided backup support. Rookie Trey Benson did not participate on offense or special teams during this matchup.

Caitlyn Epes/Arizona Cardinals captured S Rabbit Taylor-Demerson breaking up a pass intended for WR Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers.