As the Arizona Cardinals prepare to take on the Oakland Raiders Thursday night in their second preseason contest, some players need to bounce back to improve their chances to make the roster.
Either they didn’t play or they did not play well last week.
Which players are those who need to step up against the Raiders?
OT Rees Odhiambo
Odhiambo struggled mightily last week. He whiffed on a block, was beaten other times and was penalized for holding twice. He has been the backup left tackle all offseason but if he doesn’t bounce back, he might not have a place on the roster.
WR Chad Williams
Williams was one of very few players to appear in the preseason opener last week. He missed a lot of time in training camp. The receiver room is very competitive and he will have to really play well to get back in the conversation of making the roster.
WR Pharoh Cooper
Cooper didn’t play poorly against the Chargers but his spot on the roster is tricky. It would appear the choice will come down to either him or Damiere Byrd, who has been getting first-team reps. While Cooper is a dynamic returner, the Cardinals also have Byrd and T.J. Logan who can return kicks. He will need to step up to have a better chance.
RB D.J. Foster
Foster dropped a pass and had negative yards in three touches last week, while rookies Wes Hills and Dontae Strickland made impacts. His ability to do many things is key. He has to do them well.
OT Korey Cunningham
Cunningham, like Odhiambo at left tackle, struggled at right tackle, although his struggles were not as bad. He had two holding penalties. Kliff Kingsbury was happy with what he did all offseason but Cunningham needs to make progress or the Cardinals will have to look outside the organization for a backup tackle.
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