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QB RB WR TE PK | All Non-IDP | DT DE DL ILB OLB LB CB S DB | All the news | FBG News Blogger Archive
Cardinals | Andre Ellington ready for big role Sat Jul 26, 01:56 AM
Arizona Cardinals RB Andre Ellington is ready to be the bell cow in the offense, according to head coach Bruce Arians. The big thing for Ellington will be his development as a pass catcher.
| Footballguys view: Fantasy owners should be licking their chops when thinking about what Ellington could do this year. His speed, quickness and agility make him a threat to score any time he touches the ball. Ellington is the lead back for the team, and his current ADP is RB13 (3.03) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
Andre Ellington player page
Cardinals | Tyrann Mathieu 6-8 weeks away Fri Jul 25, 08:51 PM
Arizona Cardinals FS Tyrann Mathieu (knee) said he is about six to eight weeks away from being able to play in a game.
Link to storyTyrann Mathieu player page
Cardinals | Troy Niklas in soft cast Fri Jul 25, 05:08 PM
Arizona Cardinals TE Troy Niklas (hand) will be wearing a soft cast for for about 10 days.
| Footballguys view: He's too far behind John Carlson and even Jake Ballard to really have a lot of value, though tight ends in Arizona never really do anyway. We don't expect him to buck that trend and emerge as having fantasy value. |
Troy Niklas player page
Cardinals | John Abraham not at camp Fri Jul 25, 04:57 PM
Arizona Cardinals LB John Abraham (personal) has not reported to training camp due to a personal matter. Abraham will report when it is resolved, according to head coach Bruce Arians.
| Footballguys view: It doesn't sound serious, and Abraham will likely be in camp soon. The defense will need his pass-rushing skills (he totaled 11.5 sacks for them last year) if they are to keep pace in the ultra-competitive NFC West. |
John Abraham player page
Cardinals | Sign Reggie Dunn Fri Jul 25, 01:01 PM
The Arizona Cardinals signed WR Reggie Dunn (Patriots) Friday, July 25. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: A depth add and camp body, that's all. We don't see him as anything more than that. |
Reggie Dunn player page
Cardinals | Deone Bucannon to play nickel linebacker? Fri Jul 25, 02:57 AM
Arizona Cardinals first-round rookie SS Deone Bucannon could replace LB Larry Foote in nickel packages to take advantage of Bucannon's athleticism in pass coverage. Head coach Bruce Arians noted the defense will be molded to fit the players, rather than trying to make the players fit a specific system.
Link to storyLarry Foote player page
Cardinals | Bruce Arians talks up his defense Fri Jul 25, 02:54 AM
Arizona Cardinals LBs Kevin Minter and Larry Foote are expected to start next to each other at each inside linebacker spot in Arizona's 3-4 defense, replacing last year's starters, LBs Daryl Washington (suspended) and Karlos Dansby (Browns). Minter played one snap on defense as a rookie in 2013, but is expected to be an upgrade against the run from last year's interior duo. Foote, 34, enters his 13th year in the NFL, giving head coach Bruce Arians a contrasting pair inside. 'You are going to miss Daryl's (Washington) speed, because he's going to correct his mistake with speed. Larry (Foote) is not going to make that mistake. Whether or not he can get there fast enough, that's (left) to be seen.'
Link to storyLarry Foote player page
Kevin Minter player page
Cardinals | Justin Bethel impressing HC Fri Jul 25, 02:53 AM
Arizona Cardinals CB Justin Bethel had the best spring of anybody, according to head coach Bruce Arians. Bethel was a Pro Bowl special teams player in 2013. He has the athletic ability to be the best cornerback on roster, per Arians. When asked if Bethel could start at cornerback, Arians said, 'Over Patrick (Peterson) and Cro (Antonio Cromartie). They gave up more big plays in the spring than he did, and got his hands on more balls than anybody did. That's a nice problem to have.'
Link to story Cardinals | Deone Bucannon excited to compete Wed Jul 23, 10:16 PM
Arizona Cardinals S Deone Bucannon was not dropped into the starting lineup during offseason workouts, as the team has faith in FS Tony Jefferson and FS Rashad Johnson. He is excited to be back at training camp working to show the team what he can do on the field rather than just working out. 'It's not really nervousness, it's more anxious,' Bucannon said Wednesday, July 23. 'You want to show everybody you can play and be a part of this team.'
Link to storyRashad Johnson player page
Cardinals | Troy Niklas participates Wed Jul 23, 10:15 PM
Arizona Cardinals TE Troy Niklas (hand) has been cleared to participate in training camp, and was working Wednesday, July 23.
| Footballguys view: Good news for the Cardinals here. Niklas is a talented rookie tight end, but the position is just not used that much in a Bruce Arians system. This holds the fantasy value for Niklas down. |
Troy Niklas player page
Cardinals | Dan Williams opens at top of depth chart Wed Jul 23, 10:15 PM
Arizona Cardinals NT Dan Williams will open training camp as the team's starting nose tackle with NT Alameda Ta'amu (knee) on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) list.
Link to storyDan Williams player page
Cardinals | Release Kelsey Pope Wed Jul 23, 04:08 PM
The Arizona Cardinals released WR Kelsey Pope Wednesday, July 23.
Link to story Cardinals | Tyrann Mathieu placed on PUP list Wed Jul 23, 03:46 PM
The Arizona Cardinals placed FS Tyrann Mathieu (knee) on the team's Physically Unable to Perform list Wednesday, July 23.
| Footballguys view: Mathieu has previously stated this month that he's around 70 percent recovered from the knee injury he suffered last year. We should see him back on the field following the Cardinals' Week 5 bye. |
Tyrann Mathieu player page
Cardinals | Alameda Ta'amu on the PUP list Wed Jul 23, 03:45 PM
Arizona Cardinals DT Alameda Ta'amu (knee) was placed on the team's Physically Unable to Perform list Wednesday, July 23.
| Footballguys view: Ta'amu is a big-bodied run-stuffer who can occupy space in the middle of the line. However, he's struggled with injuries during his pro career. |
Alameda Taamu player page
Cardinals | Tyrann Mathieu leaves agent Wed Jul 23, 02:28 AM
Only one year into his professional football career, Arizona Cardinals DB Tyrann Mathieu has parted ways with agent Pat Lawlor. It was not disclosed whether Mathieu had signed with another agent.
| Footballguys view: Honey Badger don't care. Mathieu has previously stated this month that he's around 70 percent recovered from the knee injury he suffered last year. We should see him back on the field following the Cardinals' Week 5 bye. |
Tyrann Mathieu player page
Cardinals | Two candidates at PUP list Mon Jul 21, 01:41 PM
Arizona Cardinals DT Alameda Ta'amu (knee) and FS Tyrann Mathieu (knee) are candidates to be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list at the start of training camp.
| Footballguys view: Ta'amu has struggled with injuries during his pro career. If healthy, he can eat up space in the middle of the defensive line. Mathieu is one of the best young free safeties in the game today. The team will be quite cautious with him as he comes back from this knee injury. |
Tyrann Mathieu player page
Alameda Taamu player page
Cardinals | No clear backup to Andre Ellington Tue Jul 15, 10:42 PM
Arizona Cardinals RB Stepfan Taylor and RB Jonathan Dwyer will both be used to spell RB Andre Ellington this season, according to ESPN.com's Josh Weinfuss.
| Footballguys view: Dwyer is familiar with the Arians system from their days together in Pittsburgh. Taylor has one year of experience under his belt, and he's a much better all-purpose back. We think Ellington gets as much work as he can possibly stand, leaving little for Taylor or Dwyer. |
Jonathan Dwyer player page
Andre Ellington player page
Stepfan Taylor player page
Cardinals | Receiver hierarchy developing Tue Jul 15, 10:24 PM
Arizona Cardinals WR Ted Ginn Jr. will be the team's No. 3 receiver this year and WR John Brown should be the No. 4 receiver, according to ESPN.com's Josh Weinfuss. Weinfuss said WR Walter Powell looks like the frontrunner for the No. 5 spot, but WR Dan Buckner and WR Brittan Golden could win the job in camp.
| Footballguys view: The two players to watch here are Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd. However, dynasty owners need to add John Brown. The rookie from Pittsburgh State has been a standout player this offseason, and there's more than a little T.Y. Hilton to his game. His speed and ball-tracking ability will come in handy in a Bruce Arians system. Brown could surpass the more experienced Ginn at some point this season. |
Ted Ginn player page
Brittan Golden player page
John Brown player page
Cardinals | Deone Bucannon expected to start Mon Jul 14, 05:34 PM
Arizona Cardinals S Deone Bucannon is expected to start at strong safety this upcoming season.
Link to story Cardinals | Paul Fanaika, Bobby Massie entering camp as starters Mon Jul 14, 05:27 PM
Arizona Cardinals OG Paul Fanaika will be entering training camp as the leading candidate for the starting right guard job, while OT Bobby Massie is entering camp as the starting right tackle. Both players will have to compete for the starting jobs during training camp.
Link to story Cardinals | John Brown top candidate for No. 4 WR job Sat Jul 12, 05:36 PM
Arizona Cardinals WR John Brown appears to have emerged as the leading candidate for the No. 4 wide receiver job entering training camp.
| Footballguys view: Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and Ted Ginn Jr. are all ahead of the rookie on the depth chart at this time. The drumbeat has been the same for Brown all offseason--he's been consistently turning heads in Cardinals camp. His speed and run-after-the-catch ability make him an intriguing player to keep an eye on. Brown is eventually going to play the role of T.Y. Hilton in Bruce Arians offense. |
John Brown player page
Cardinals | Ted Ginn likely to be No. 3 WR Sat Jul 12, 05:30 PM
Arizona Cardinals WR Ted Ginn Jr. appears to have the inside track for the No. 3 wide receiver job this upcoming season.
| Footballguys view: Ginn has the experience advantage over rookie John Brown at this time. His speed will come in handy in Bruce Arians' vertical-happy offense. |
Ted Ginn player page
Cardinals | Rob Housler entering camp as No. 4 TE Sat Jul 12, 05:30 PM
Arizona Cardinals TE Rob Housler is expected to enter training camp as the fourth tight end on the depth chart and will have to compete for a roster spot.
| Footballguys view: There's just no need for fantasy owners to put much stock into a Cardinals tight end. Bruce Arians' offense is not known for using the tight end that much, and Housler will have more fantasy value when he moves on to another team. |
Rob Housler player page
Cardinals | Larry Fitzgerald never approached about trade Fri Jul 11, 02:55 PM
Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald said he was never approached about a trade involving the New England Patriots. "Nothing at all. I mean, I heard stuff that was being said. But there was never a time where the team approached me. Nothing like that." Fitzgerald said.
| Footballguys view: The Patriots could certainly use a wideout like Fitzgerald. Instead, we'll see him star on Sundays for the Cardinals once again. Fitzgerald's current ADP is WR18 (4.08) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
Larry Fitzgerald player page
Cardinals | Larry Fitzgerald in shape Thu Jul 10, 06:36 PM
Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald said Thursday, July 10 that he's in good shape and feels that he's where he should be as far as conditioning and route-running. Fitzgerald also said he's been working on plays with backup QB Ryan Lindley.
| Footballguys view: Fitzgerald is one of the best in the game today. It's no surprise that he's in great shape. His current ADP is WR18 (4.08) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
Larry Fitzgerald player page
Cardinals | Alex Okafor more comfortable in 2014 Mon Jul 7, 04:52 PM
Arizona Cardinals LB Alex Okafor (biceps) feels more comfortable in his sophomore offseason. 'A year makes all the difference,' Okafor said, adding that he's learned the playbook and knows his teammates better. Okafor said he feels like he finally has an identity and can be himself on the field. Head coach Bruce Arians said Okafor had an excellent offseason.
Link to story Cardinals | Carson Palmer receives praise from anonymous player Mon Jul 7, 04:18 PM
Arizona Cardinals QB Carson Palmer was complimented by an anonymous safety recently, according to a source, who said that Palmer's game and work ethic are respected by not just him, but the Cardinals' locker room. The unnamed player said Palmer is the kind of leader the team needs at quarterback.
| Footballguys view: Palmer will benefit from a revamped offensive line and another year of growth from Michael Floyd, in addition to hopefully a healthier Larry Fitzgerald than he had in 2013. He's a great sleeper in six point per pass touchdown leagues, and maybe more than that. |
Carson Palmer player page
Cardinals | Rob Housler's blocking a concern Thu Jul 3, 04:16 PM
Arizona Cardinals TE Rob Housler's blocking ability could be a concern, given what head coach Bruce Arians expects from the tight end position. Housler is an excellent route runner and pass catcher, but Arians wants his tight ends to also be bruising blockers off the line.
| Footballguys view: As we mentioned in an earlier report about John Carlson, our own Andrew Garda reported from the Combine in February that head coach Bruce Arians wants his tight ends to block first and foremost. If Carlson can out-block Housler, he'll lose snaps and could be in danger of losing his job. |
Rob Housler player page
Cardinals | John Carlson impressing Thu Jul 3, 04:14 PM
Arizona Cardinals TE John Carlson has been the tight end who impressed the most during organized team activities and minicamp. Head coach Bruce Arians complimented Carlson's ability to pick up the system quickly, his speed and hands, and he considers Carlson an adequate blocker. Arians wants physical tight ends who are capable blockers. Carlson will compete for targets with TEs Rob Housler, Jake Ballard and Troy Niklas (hand).
| Footballguys view: Carlson had a brief moment with the Seattle Seahawks where he looked like he could be an impact player but he soon faded into the background, relegated to blocking duties. It was much the same in Minnesota, though he was also stuck behind Kyle Rudolph and only really saw some work when Rudolph was hurt last year. The Cardinals haven't had a good pass-catching tight end in a long time, but there is danger here as our own Andrew Garda reported from the Combine that head coach Bruce Arians wants his tight ends to block first and catch second. So Carlson might find himself blocking a lot this year, perhaps one reason why most of our staff sees him as no better than a low-end TE3. |
John Carlson player page
Jake Ballard player page
Rob Housler player page
Troy Niklas player page
Cardinals | Paul Fanaika at RG Thu Jul 3, 10:07 AM
Arizona Cardinals OG Paul Fanaika is entering training camp as the starting right guard.
| Footballguys view: The Cardinals constantly have issues along the offensive line for some time and last season Fanaika was part of the problem. He struggled all last year and will be pushed by fourth round pick Earl Watford. Getting Jonathan Cooper back and adding Jared Veldheer back will help the line, but we're concerned about the right side and what that could mean for Carson Palmer, the passing game in general and the ground attack. |
Cardinals | Teammate impressed with Robert Hughes Wed Jul 2, 11:26 PM
Arizona Cardinals QB Carson Palmer said he was impressed with how FB Robert Hughes performed during offseason workouts, especially his pass catching skills. 'I think once you put pads on, he's 240 pounds and built like a bulldog and I think he's going to run through people and run over people. But I've been very shocked for a guy with his build and his power, how fluid he is running routes and how well he does adjusting to balls and catching balls and in the pass game he's been really good,' Palmer said.
| Footballguys view: Given how bad the offensive line was last year, someone else to block is nothing but good. We don't expect him to eat into anyone's carries but he could be a nice addition for the run game as a lead blocker. |
Carson Palmer player page
Robert Hughes player page
Cardinals | Coach likes what he sees from Jonathan Dwyer Wed Jul 2, 11:03 PM
Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians said he has been impressed with how RB Jonathan Dwyer looked during offseason workouts. 'He's in better shape and he's running routes and catching the ball better than I remember,' Arians said. 'I know he'll pound you and can really run the football. I know he can pass block. But he caught the ball extremely well. He made some catches in the red zone for us. That was a surprise.'
| Footballguys view: Dwyer is a tough little bowling ball and the improvement of his receiving skills is good. That said, his fantasy impact is marginal and he's no more than deep bench depth in any league. |
Jonathan Dwyer player page
Cardinals | Tyrann Mathieu starting to cut while running Wed Jul 2, 01:12 PM
Arizona Cardinals FS Tyrann Mathieu (knee) said he has been running at around 60 to 70 percent at this point and has been able to start cutting while running. Assistant athletic trainer Chad Cook said Mathieu will be able to participate in football activities in the near future.
| Footballguys view: Good news for the Honey Badger here. The Cardinals defense is one of the best in the league, and having a player like Mathieu available is a huge boost. Mathieu hopes to be able to participate in at least individual drills when training camp starts. |
Tyrann Mathieu player page
Cardinals | Coach praises John Abraham Tue Jul 1, 03:28 PM
Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians praised LB John Abraham, and does not see him slowing down in 2014. "He did it last year and there's no reason to think he's going to slow down," Arians said. "He's one of those freaks of nature. He just keeps getting it done. We are looking forward to another big year out of him."
| Footballguys view: The Cardinals have a swarming defense, and Abraham is going to help them get after the passer. He may not be quite the player he used to be, but Abraham could still collect about 10 sacks this year. |
John Abraham player page
Cardinals | Antonio Cromartie says he still runs fast Sun Jun 29, 11:46 PM
Arizona Cardinals CB Antonio Cromartie said he recently ran the 40-yard dash in 4.34 seconds and 4.36 seconds.
| Footballguys view: Cromartie can still play at a fairly high level if healthy and motivated. The Cardinals have a swarming defense, and Cromartie should benefit from the team's suffocating pass-rushers up front. |
Antonio Cromartie player page
Cardinals | Hope Earl Watford can win starting job Sun Jun 29, 08:11 PM
The Arizona Cardinals are hoping OG Earl Watford will be able to win the starting right guard job during training camp. OG Paul Fanaika received some time at the position with the first-team offense during offseason workouts.
Link to story Cardinals | Tony Jefferson to figure into dime Fri Jun 27, 09:14 AM
Arizona Cardinals S Tony Jefferson has been playing strong safety in offseason work and should be in the mix in dime packages.
Link to story Cardinals | Rashad Johnson could start Fri Jun 27, 09:12 AM
Arizona Cardinals FS Rashad Johnson could be the front runner to start at free safety if FS Tyrann Mathieu (knee) isn't ready by the season opener.
Link to storyRashad Johnson player page
Cardinals | John Brown to work out with Carson Palmer Tue Jun 24, 04:36 PM
Arizona Cardinals WR John Brown will spend time working out with QB Carson Palmer before training camp.
| Footballguys view: Brown was 'blowing everyone away' at the team's rookie camp in May, and he has drawn 'favorable' comparisons to Indianapolis Colts WR T.Y. Hilton, according to NFL Network's Albert Breer. The team is impressed with his route running and speed. |
Carson Palmer player page
John Brown player page
Cardinals | Robert Hughes favorite to be fourth RB Mon Jun 16, 05:48 PM
Arizona Cardinals RB Robert Hughes' versatility has made him the favorite to claim the fourth running back spot behind RBs Andre Ellington, Stepfan Taylor and Jonathan Dwyer. Arians praised Hughes' abilities on special teams, at fullback, and as a possible tight end. QB Carson Palmer said Hughes' hands were among the best on the team.
Link to storyRobert Hughes player page
Cardinals | Eric Winston could still be option Mon Jun 16, 02:53 AM
The Arizona Cardinals still could ink free-agent OT Eric Winston for another season, but a large part of that will depend on how OT Bobby Massie and Bradley Sowell fare in training camp.
Link to story Cardinals | Bobby Massie appears to be frontrunner Mon Jun 16, 12:02 AM
Arizona Cardinals OT Bobby Massie appears to be the leading candidate for the starting right tackle job leading up to training camp.
Link to story Cardinals | Tried to sign Tyson Clabo Sun Jun 15, 11:48 PM
The Arizona Cardinals tried to sign free-agent OT Tyson Clabo (Dolphins) earlier this offseason, but the two sides could not agree to a contract.
Link to story Cardinals | Carson Palmer entering final year of his deal Sun Jun 15, 12:10 PM
Arizona Cardinals QB Carson Palmer will become an unrestricted free agent in 2015.
| Footballguys view: Palmer is entrenched as the team's starter, so 2014 will be a test to see if the team signs him to a new deal. Drew Stanton and rookie Logan Thomas are the backups behind Palmer this year, and each has a different long-term outlook. Stanton knows the Arians system, but he's never really had a shot to prove himself as a starter. Thomas has an excellent skill set, but he's been a career underachiever who has never played up to his potential. |
Cardinals | John Brown has impressed Fri Jun 13, 02:13 PM
Arizona Cardinals WR John Brown has mostly impressed the coaching staff during offseason workouts. However, he had a drop and a few mistakes in minicamp Wednesday, June 11.
| Footballguys view: Fantasy owners take note here. The offseason buzz out of Arizona has been building about this rookie. Brown is the speedy rookie the Cardinals selected out of Pittsburgh State in the third round of the 2014 NFL draft. He's got great hands and is showing to be a better route runner than expected. Watch Brown turn into a T.Y. Hilton-like receiver in Bruce Arians' vertical offense. |
John Brown player page
Cardinals | Anthony Steen back on field Fri Jun 13, 02:11 PM
Arizona Cardinals OG Anthony Steen (shoulder) is 'way back' after missing time due to an injury, according to head coach Bruce Arians. Arians thinks Steen could impress when the pads go on.
Link to story Cardinals | Bobby Massie making good progress Fri Jun 13, 02:02 PM
Arizona Cardinals OT Bobby Massie is making good progress in offseason workouts this year. He has been running with the first-team unit, and QB Carson Palmer has had good things to say about him. "When you don't notice a guy that's a good thing," Palmer said. "That's what I have noticed about Bobby is that I haven't noticed him. That's exactly what you want from your tackles."
Link to story Cardinals | Statuses for Tyrann Mathieu, Alameda Ta'amu uncertain Thu Jun 12, 08:10 PM
Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians said he doubts that FS Tyrann Mathieu (knee) or DT Alameda Ta'amu (knee) will be ready for the start of training camp but it will be up to the doctors and trainers to make the decision. Arians said his personal timetable for both players to return is after the team's bye week.
Link to storyTyrann Mathieu player page
Alameda Taamu player page
Cardinals | Jonathan Dwyer endearing himself to coach Thu Jun 12, 07:00 PM
Arizona Cardinals RB Jonathan Dwyer received praise from head coach Bruce Arians during organized team activities for his pass-catching abilities. Dwyer also is effective in pass blocking, which is something that Arians covets in his offense.
Link to storyJonathan Dwyer player page
Stepfan Taylor player page
Cardinals | Troy Niklas will be ready for training camp Thu Jun 12, 06:59 PM
Arizona Cardinals TE Troy Niklas (hand) is hopeful to return the first day of training camp, according to head coach Bruce Arians. If not, Arians expects him back a few days into camp when the pads go on.
Link to storyTroy Niklas player page
