Cardinals-Commanders connections entering Week 1

The Arizona Cardinals open the 2023 season on the road in Week 1 against the Washington Commanders.

Both teams have new starting quarterbacks. Sam Howell is the Commanders’ starter and, while Kyler Murray is out, Josh Dobbs gets the nod for the Cardinals.

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Between the two teams, there are some player and coach connections.

Who used to be with the other team before this season?

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

Cardinals OL Keith Ismael

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Ismael was recently acquired by the Cardinals off a waiver claim following his release from the San Francisco 49ers.

He was drafted by Washington in 2020 in the fifth round and played two seasons for them. He even started five games at center in 2021.

Commanders TE Logan Thomas

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Thomas was drafted by the Cardinals in the fourth round in 2014 as a quarterback and spent a season with the team. He transitioned to tight end, the position he played when he first went to college at Virginia Tech. He is in his fourth season with the Commanders.

In three years with Washington, he has 129 catches for 1,189 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Cardinals WR coach/passing game coordinator Drew Terrell

Terrell was on Washington’s staff from 2020-2022 as their receivers coach.