With Kyler Murray & Marvin Harrison Jr. healthy for 2025, the Arizona Cardinals face immense pressure. Will they risk starters in preseason to end a playoff drought?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Welcome to August, Cardinals fans, where the desert heat is matched only by the rising temperature of expectations. As of August 4th, the narrative around the Cardinals has officially shifted. With a healthy Kyler Murray, a star-studded cast of new faces, and a clean bill of health across the roster, the question is no longer about rebuilding; it's about winning. And that has sparked a major debate: will the team risk its stars in the preseason to ensure a fast start?
The Cardinals are seeking to end a three-year playoff drought and a nine-year NFC West title drought.
For the first time in what feels like an eternity, the injury report isn't the lead story. Kyler Murray is fully recovered from his past ACL issues and looks sharp connecting with his weapons. Second-year phenom Marvin Harrison Jr., coming off an impressive 885-yard, 8-touchdown rookie season, is building crucial chemistry with his QB. Reports also confirm wideout Michael Wilson is healthy and ready to contribute, calming any fears about the depth of K1's arsenal. The team is healthy, deep, and running out of reasons to fail.
With a healthy roster comes a difficult decision for head coach Jonathan Gannon. Insiders and analysts are strongly urging the coaching staff to give starters significant snaps in the upcoming preseason games. The memory of 2024's slow start, widely attributed to key players being rested, looms large. With playoff aspirations on the line, the team can't afford to stumble out of the gate. Getting players like Murray, Harrison Jr., and newly acquired pass rusher Josh Sweat live reps together could be the key to hitting the ground running in Week 1.
While the offense gets the headlines, the defensive transformation is perhaps the biggest reason for optimism. The return of veteran leader Calais Campbell provides a massive culture boost. GM Monti Ossenfort has flanked him with formidable talent, signing pass rusher Josh Sweat and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency. Add in first-round behemoth Walter Nolen and second-round corner Will Johnson, and this unit suddenly looks deep and dangerous. The days of the Cardinals' defense being a liability appear to be over.
This revamped roster will be tested early and often. The 2025 season kicks off September 7th on the road against the New Orleans Saints, followed by a grueling schedule that includes facing NFC West rivals San Francisco and Seattle twice in back-to-back slates. There is no room for error. For the Gannon-Ossenfort tandem, now in their third year, this is the season to prove their plan can produce not just a winning record, but a legitimate contender.
The pieces are in place. The roster is healthy. The excuses have evaporated. The next few weeks will reveal the coaching staff's philosophy on preseason readiness, but the real test begins on September 7th. The goal is clear: end the playoff drought and reclaim the NFC West. All that's left is to execute.
