theathleticuk
GLENDALE, Ariz.
Over the past few months, for most of his time as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, Mike LaFleur has been asked about Jacoby Brissett, his projected starter at quarterback who has held out from practice because he wants a contract that reflects his job title.
LaFleur has never said much during these conversations, and Thursdays first day of training camp was no different with one exception.
LaFleur said Brissett would practice.
He did not elaborate when asked if Brissett would take reps with the first-team offense.
Asked to describe his QB situation, LaFleur said simply: Id describe it as Practice 1 on July 23.
Advertisement The Cardinals opened camp early because theyre playing Aug.
6 against the Carolina Panthers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.
That event, centered around the enshrinement of former star receiver Larry Fitzgerald, may turn out to be the highlight of their season.
Its off to a rough start.
The Cardinals are coming off a 3-14 season, among the worst in their not-so-glorious history.
They made a coaching change, discarding Jonathan Gannon for the 39-year-old LaFleur.
They drafted running back Jeremiyah Love, a popular pick for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Since then, off-field incidents have flushed away preseason optimism before its had a chance to sprout.
Its hard to grow anything in the desert this time of year.
This month, the NFL suspended executive Ryan Gold for violating the leagues gambling policy.
(His attorney says Gold, the teams director of college scouting, will appeal.) Right guard Isaiah Adams, a projected starter, was arrested in his native Canada and charged with firearms offenses.
(His attorney says Adams is innocent.) Like Brissett, Adams participated in Thursdays practice.
Hes doing good, LaFleur said.
Im not going to comment too much on that.
The Cardinals also put four players on the physically unable to perform list, including tight end Tip Reiman (ankle), cornerback Garrett Williams (Achilles), left tackle Paris Johnson Jr.
(knee) and outside linebacker Josh Sweat (knee).
Johnson and Sweat were surprises, but LaFleur said neither situation is serious and both should practice soon.
Like Brissett, Sweat did not attend voluntary off-season workouts.
Even without the distractions, the Cardinals were not expected to do well.
Last years injury-filled disaster revealed more roster holes than most everyone realized (the Cardinals were expected to be a breakout team) and the front office did little to improve a defense that gave up 28.7 points, fourth-most in the league.
Even defensive coordinator Nick Rallis kept his job in the coaching change.
Advertisement The offense has interesting playmakers in star tight end Trey McBride, the promising Love, emerging Michael Wilson (among the leagues 20 1,000-yard receivers last season) and talented Marvin Harrison Jr.
But the offensive line is a concern, and the quarterback room might be the worst in the league with journeymen Brissett and Gardner Minshew, along with unproven Kedon Slovis and rookie Carson Beck.
As of late Thursday, the Cardinals and Brissett still had not reached agreement on a restructured contract, although LaFleur said recent discussions have been productive.
Brissett, 33, last season took over for injured Kyler Murray and put up strong numbers, but Arizona went 1-11 in games in which he started.
The lack of protection and running game did not help.
Nor did the defense.
Perhaps the best thing Brissett did was earn the respect of teammates.
McBride caught 11 touchdown passes, more than he had grabbed in his previous three seasons combined.
Wilson had his best year.
Harrison had good moments before injuries limited his availability.
Wanting to get paid like an NFL starter, Brissett over the offseason did not attend Arizonas voluntary workouts.
He did show up for mandatory minicamp but chose not to participate.
On July 9, star safety Budda Baker voiced his frustration on social media.
Just want bro to get his s done.
..
He is not asking for what you think.
Bro is asking for below the bare minimum.
Lets just get it done!!! Just want bro to get his shit done..
he is not asking for what you think.
Bro is asking for below the bare minimum.
Lets just get it done!!! Budda Baker (@Buddabaker3) July 9, 2026 Just getting towards camp, Im getting a little itchy and some things were slightly said, Baker said Thursday.
Thats just how I am.
I just want everyone to be on the field.
If youre signed with the Arizona Cardinals, be on the field.
Youre only going to get better by practicing.
Just the ability to have (Brissett) even practicing, thats going to be good for him because he hasnt practiced at all.
Advertisement Minshew, who is 17-30 in seven seasons as a starter, worked with Arizonas first team during the portion of practice that was open to news reporters.
Brissett was not made available to reporters.
His contract issues may be resolved soon, but the low expectations will remain.
It doesnt really get to me because theyre just on the outside looking in, Baker said of the media and the low expectations they have placed on the Cardinals.
At the end of the day, the only guys that matter are the guys in the huddle.
The guys on the field.
With the player personnel we have, with the coaching staff we have, I have very high expectations for this team.