Arizona
Predicting 2024 Arizona Cardinals roster before cut day
Who stood out for the Arizona Cardinals with (most) starters sitting in preseason opener?
Theo Mackie and Bob McManaman react to the Cardinals’ preseason loss to the Saints
The Arizona Cardinals preseason was, for the most part, an ugly affair. They went 0-3, played few starters, and often looked lost offensively. But a handful of players on the roster bubble showed impressive flashes, with head coach Jonathan Gannon particularly encouraged by his rookies.
That creates some roster conundrums for the Cardinals ahead of Tuesday’s cut-down day. The 53 players that the Cardinals have at the end of those moves will likely not be their final 53 as they bolster their roster with claims from other teams. But for now, here is a projection of what the 53-man roster could look like on Tuesday afternoon:
Offense
Quarterback (2)
Kyler Murray, Clayton Tune
After Sunday, when both Tune and Desmond Ridder struggled to create any offense of note, it seems increasingly likely that the Cardinals will look to acquire a backup quarterback from outside the organization. That could take the form of a waiver claim or a cheap trade, like the one they executed last August to acquire Joshua Dobbs from Cleveland. For now, though, Tune has the upper hand. He looked more comfortable than Ridder throughout training camp and preseason, earning the starting nod Sunday.
Running back (4)
James Conner, Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, DeeJay Dallas
Sunday’s running back usage was quite strange. Gannon opted against using any of these four running backs or veteran Michael Carter — outside of a few special teams snaps for Demercado and Dallas. That seemed to indicate that the Cardinals could go with five running backs. But when asked why Carter didn’t play, Gannon responded, “Saw enough from what we needed to see for him.” That comment did not come across as encouraging for Carter’s chances, especially given that he only saw two late-game carries in the second preseason game. So now, it once again looks as if the Cardinals will go with four backs. Demercado’s role — if he makes the roster — will mainly be on third downs and special teams, while Dallas is set to primarily be a return man.
Wide receiver (6)
Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch, Zach Pascal, Chris Moore, Xavier Weaver
With veteran Zay Jones suspended for the first five games of the season, the Cardinals will likely want a steady veteran to fill his place on the roster. That seemingly creates an opening for Moore, who had 22 catches for 424 yards with the Titans last year. Weaver, meanwhile, has impressed on offense and special teams after signing as an undrafted free agent in the spring. He looks likely to have a role alongside Dallas in the return game. Sixth-round pick Tejhaun Palmer should clear waivers and land on the practice squad.
Tight end (3)
Trey McBride, Elijah Higgins, Tip Reiman
The tight-end group is cut and dry. The Cardinals could conceivably go with four tight ends, but it probably makes more sense to use that spot elsewhere on the roster. Reiman, in particular, has had a nice month, showing the blocking chops that made him a third-round pick. He adds some versatility to a room led by two players who excel as pass catchers.
Offensive line (9)
Paris Johnson, Evan Brown, Hjalte Froholdt, Will Hernandez, Jonah Williams, Kelvin Beachum, Jon Gaines, Isaiah Adams, Christian Jones
It was a rough preseason for the Cardinals’ reserve offensive linemen, which makes keeping only nine a plausible option. That said, they could still easily choose to go with 10. Beachum is a steady backup swing tackle, but the only backup interior options here are Gaines and Adams — two players who have never played a regular-season snap. Adams, a third-round pick this year, looked excellent as a run blocker in preseason but struggled mightily as a pass blocker. So, if the Cardinals don’t trust Gaines as their top reserve on the interior, they could opt to keep a veteran like Elijah Wilkinson or Trystan Colon. Wilkinson entered camp looking like an important backup but allowed six pressures and two sacks in three preseason games.
Defense
Interior defensive line (7)
Justin Jones, Bilal Nichols, Darius Robinson, Roy Lopez, L.J. Collier, Dante Stills, Khyiris Tonga
None of these seven interior defensive linemen played on Sunday — a strong indicator that their roster spots are safe. The wild card is Robinson, who is dealing with a calf injury. If he avoids the injured reserve to start the season, the Cardinals will likely want seven players here to help provide cover. If he goes on the injured reserve, they could opt for six and use his spot on the 53-man roster to provide help elsewhere.
Edge rusher (5)
Zaven Collins, Dennis Gardeck, Xavier Thomas, Victor Dimukeje, Cameron Thomas
Xavier Thomas, a fifth-round pick, did not play Sunday, a reward for his excellent preseason. Dimukeje only played 12 snaps early on and should be a member of this rotation. That likely leaves one roster spot for Cameron Thomas or Jesse Luketa. Both players had strong preseasons but Thomas was slightly more consistent at generating pressure. He earns the final spot here, but it’s close to a toss-up.
Linebacker (4)
Kyzir White, Mack Wilson Sr., Owen Pappoe, Krys Barnes
There’s no more settled group on the Cardinals’ roster outside of the specialists. White and Wilson will start; Pappoe and Barnes will back them up.
Cornerback (6)
Sean Murphy-Bunting, Garrett Williams, Max Melton, Starling Thomas V, Kei’Trel Clark, Elijah Jones
If the Cardinals opt for five corners, Clark could be a roster casualty. But the second-year player has flashed some positive signs over the past month and only played nine snaps Sunday, indicating that he’s in position to earn a reserve spot. Plus, Jones doesn’t look like a player the Cardinals can trust right now. The third-round rookie has enticing raw tools but is a likely candidate to be inactive early on as he acclimates to the speed of the NFL.
Safety (4)
Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Joey Blount
It was an encouraging summer for the Cardinals’ safeties. Baker and Thompson performed at their usual high standard during training camp and Taylor-Demerson impressed in preseason. He could be the future of the position if Baker hits free agency after the season. Behind those three, the final roster spot comes down to Blount and Andre Chachere. Chachere saw significantly more playing time last year, but Blount is a special teams standout. If the Cardinals are comfortable with Taylor-Demerson as their primary backup safety, Blount could have the edge due to his special teams role. Sunday’s usage suggested that could be the case, with Blount sitting out while Chachere played 48 snaps.
Special teams
Kicker: Matt Prater
Puner: Blake Gillikin
Long snapper: Aaron Brewer
The Cardinals released undrafted free agent long snapper Joe Shimko last week, finalizing this group of veterans as their specialists.
Arizona
NAU launches first-of-its-kind engineering degree to fast-track Arizona’s future workforce – The NAU Review
As Arizona’s semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries continue to grow at a rapid pace, Northern Arizona University’s Steve Sanghi College of Engineering is launching a new degree program designed to help meet the state’s workforce needs.
Beginning this fall, NAU will offer a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Engineering Technology, a flexible, workforce-focused degree pathway that prepares students for careers in microelectronics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing in as little as three years. The 90-credit bachelor’s degree creates a more accessible pathway into engineering careers through a hands-on, applied curriculum and a streamlined transfer model with Arizona community colleges.
The program follows a 45-45 completion structure, allowing students to complete 45 credits at a community college and 45 credits through NAU. Courses will be delivered through synchronous remote instruction at NAU’s North Valley campus in Phoenix and at Pima Community College in Tucson, increasing access for statewide students.
Addressing Arizona’s growing semiconductor workforce
Designed with workforce readiness in mind, the program emphasizes practical engineering application, systems implementation, testing, quality control, systems analysis, manufacturing, fabrication, process control and project management. Students will gain technical and problem-solving skills aligned with the needs of Arizona’s rapidly evolving manufacturing economy.
“This new bachelor’s degree empowers students to identify real-world engineering challenges and develop practical solutions,” said James Palmer, associate dean for academic affairs at the Steve Sanghi College of Engineering. “We are creating a more accessible pathway into engineering careers while preparing graduates to support Arizona’s growing microelectronics and semiconductor industry.”
Arizona has emerged as one of the nation’s fastest-growing semiconductor hubs, with more than $200 billion in semiconductor-related investments announced in the Greater Phoenix region since 2020, including expansions from Intel, TSMC and Amkor Technology. TSMC alone has committed up to $165 billion toward Arizona operations, including multiple fabrication plants and advanced packaging facilities expected to create thousands of technical and manufacturing jobs.
Industry demand continues to grow for professionals with applied engineering and advanced manufacturing skills in areas such as process engineering, manufacturing systems, equipment operations and yield enhancement. NAU’s new degree program was developed to help students quickly enter these high-demand career fields while supporting Arizona’s long-term economic growth and domestic semiconductor manufacturing capacity.
The program also aligns with NAU’s strategic commitment to expanding access to affordable, student-centered educational opportunities that prepare graduates for meaningful careers and long-term success.
Students interested in learning more about the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Engineering Technology program should contact SCE@nau.edu.
PHOENIX (AP) — The two Republican congressmen running for Arizona governor pitched themselves at a debate Wednesday as the only candidate with broad enough voter appeal to unseat Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs amid the state’s affordability struggles.
U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, who is the GOP primary’s frontrunner and has the endorsement of President Donald Trump, portrayed himself as being able to cross party lines and having the right experience to be the state’s chief executive.
“There’s not a doubt in my mind, if you look at the polling data that you’re going to find, I am the most competitive with Katie Hobbs of anybody on this stage in any Republican in the state,” Biggs said.
U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, who has survived three tough Democratic challenges in recent years, believes his focus on government finances and his drive to bring new business to the state make him the singular Republican candidate.
“These are wonderful people, but they’ve never actually been in the great battle,” Schweikert said of Biggs and two other Republican opponents.
Businessman Scott Neely, who ran an unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign in 2022, said after the debate that if Biggs wins the primary, Republicans will lose the election.
The winner of the July 21 primary will face Hobbs, who’s running unopposed in the primary.
Biggs has served five terms in the U.S. House, representing a heavily GOP district in the eastern Phoenix suburbs and serving at one time as chairman of the ultra-right U.S. House Freedom Caucus.
Before that, Biggs served in the Arizona Legislature from 2003 through 2016, including four years as president of the state Senate. He battled with then-Republican Gov. Jan Brewer on a Medicaid expansion in 2013 and pushed school choice measures and bills targeting abortion providers.
Biggs is one of Trump’s top defenders in Congress and supported Trump’s false claims the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him.
Schweikert, a budget hawk known for railing against government debt, has represented an affluent district that includes parts of northeast Phoenix and Scottsdale for eight terms. He served in the Arizona House in the 1990s and as Maricopa County’s treasurer in the 2000s.
Schweikert has focused his congressional career on sounding the alarm about the federal budget deficit and the ballooning U.S. debt, often in late-night speeches to a nearly empty House chamber and bleary-eyed C-SPAN viewers. Schweikert has praised Trump’s 2017 tax cuts but has called for more spending cuts to reduce federal borrowing.
His reputation was tarnished by ethics scandals. In 2022, he received a $125,000 fine by the Federal Election Commission for misappropriating campaign funds. Two years prior, he agreed to pay a $50,000 fine and accept 11 campaign finance violations after an investigation by the U.S. House Committee on Ethics. In his last three general campaigns for Congress, Schweikert staved off challenges from Democrats. Biggs voiced support for Arizona’s recent passage of a three-year moratorium on tax incentives for new data centers – a move Hobbs also has touted. “They shouldn’t be given a break,” Biggs said, noting the large amounts of power and water that data centers use.
Schweikert bemoaned Arizona’s unfavorable affordability rankings as “pretty miserable,” but said consumer prices don’t come down magically. He vowed to aggressively recruit businesses to Arizona and push for wage growth.
Both congressmen were asked about the expired healthcare subsidies for those getting coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
“We’re going to have to deal with the reality of subsidization of everything in the economy is not going to work,” Schweikert said.
Biggs said he introduced legislation in Congress to bring down healthcare costs and also voiced support for Trump’s proposal to send money directly to Americans for health savings accounts so they can handle insurance and health costs as they see fit.
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