The Arizona Cardinals released their first official depth chart of the 2019 season. For the most part, there aren’t any big surprises. However, some things are worth mentioning.
Andy Isabella will return kicks
After cutting T.J. Logan, it was uncertain who was going to return kicks. That question has been answered. It will be the rookie Isabella. After he was drafted, it was initially hoped he could make an impact as a receiver. Because of missed time in the preseason with an injury, he fell behind and is the lowest receiver on the depth chart. However, his speed and elusiveness will be utilized in the return game. It will give him a chance to make an impact in games, albeit a limited one because most kickoffs result in touchbacks.
Receiver Damiere Byrd will be another option as the backup returner.
Christian Kirk is again punt returner
Kirk returns to his duties as punt returner. It was something he excelled at in college and almost broke off a couple of long returns as a rookie. He is excited to do it, too. Byrd backs him up, too.
When Patrick Peterson is back from his suspension, he will surely figure into the equation somehow.
Mason Cole backs up two positions
Kliff Kingsbury believes Cole is a starting-caliber center. He just was beat out by A.Q. Shipley. So rather than listing Cole as the backup center and rookie Lamont Gaillard as the backup left guard, Cole is the primary backup for both positions. Kingsbury also said Cole is the first guy to come off the bench if the Cardinals need an extra blocker, so we might see him as a tackle eligible at times this season.
Byron Murphy will start at cornerback
Although he played primarily in the slot during training camp, Murphy will start with Tramaine Brock. He will get some playing time as a border corner. However, he will slide inside and play in the slot when there are three receivers on the field. Chris Jones will then play outside. Murphy will be the versatile corner.
Michael Crabtree listed as a starter
While Kingsbury has been vague about how much he will play in Week 1, he is listed as a starter, not Trent Sherfield or KeeSean Johnson. With the salary they gave him and the career he has had, it makes sense for him to start.
Jonathan Bullard might be active on game day
Acquired from waivers, Bullard appears to be at the back end of the defensive line rotation. He is the third-string defensive end behind Zach Allen and Michael Dogbe. If the Cardinals make only six defensive linemen active on Sunday, it is probably going to be Bullard, while undrafted rookie Miles Brown could get into the rotation.
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