Melissa Gaspard Arizona Cardinals Vice President, Executive Operations | Arizona Cardinals Website
Melissa Gaspard Arizona Cardinals Vice President, Executive Operations | Arizona Cardinals Website
The Arizona Cardinals are facing changes in their lineup following recent injuries. Max Melton, a second-round pick, is seeing increased playtime at cornerback due to Sean Murphy-Bunting's neck injury. Melton participated in 52 of the Cardinals' 66 defensive snaps against the Chargers on Monday night, achieving career highs in both snaps and snap percentage at 79%. He also recorded nine tackles, forced a fumble, and made a notable pass breakup.
Murphy-Bunting exited after only 14 snaps. Cornerback Starling Thomas V played all 66 snaps alongside safeties Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson. Garrett Williams contributed with 52 snaps, while Rabbit Taylor-Demerson had two.
Injuries also affected the outside linebacker position as Dennis Gardeck left the game with a knee injury during a special teams play. According to NFL Network, Gardeck may have torn his ACL. Zaven Collins (40), Julien Okwara (29), and Jesse Luketa (22) were active in his absence. Inside linebacker Kyzir White played all 66 snaps, with Mack Wilson Sr. participating in 59 and Krys Barnes in 20.
On the defensive line, Dante Stills led with 36 snaps followed by L.J. Collier (35), Ben Stille (27), Naquan Jones (20), Roy Lopez (20), and Khyiris Tonga (14).
Offensively, James Conner set season highs with 48 snaps and an 84% snap percentage as the primary running back. Emari Demercado saw six snaps while Trey Benson had four.
Marvin Harrison Jr., returning from a concussion, led wide receivers with 48 snaps. Michael Wilson followed with 44 and Greg Dortch had 17 but managed to score a touchdown. Zay Jones played for the first time this season with 11 snaps.
At tight end, Trey McBride was on for most of the game with 54 out of 57 possible snaps. Tip Reiman logged 30 while Elijah Higgins had 21.
Quarterback Clayton Tune took over three of Kyler Murray's plays for short-yardage situations known as "tush push," succeeding once out of three attempts. Offensive linemen Trystan Colon and Isaiah Adams were not present for every snap, recording participation in only some plays.
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