3 roster battles to watch in Cardinals preseason finale vs Packers

The Arizona Cardinals will face the Green Bay Packers in their final preseason game on Friday, Aug. 28. This match serves as an opportunity to determine their 53-man roster before trimming it from 90 players on Sunday, Aug. 30. Here are three roster battles to watch in this crucial game.

1. Final wide receiver spot: The Cardinals have secured spots for Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Kendrick Bourne as their starting wide receivers. Devin Duvernay is expected to make the team as the primary return man, while Reggie Virgil is in line for roster status, considering his draft capital and positive performances.

The sixth receiver could be a sixth wide receiver or a versatile player who lines up in the slot or outside. The competition is between Jalen Brooks, who has impressed in preseason games, and Simi Fehoko, a versatile veteran presence. Another edge is B.J. Ojulari, who might get another chance if the Cardinals decide to keep four edge rushers.

2. Two players for one cornerback spot: The Cardinals have a strong lineup of Will Johnson, Garrett Williams, Max Melton, Denzel Burke, and Sean Murphy-Bunting as their cornerbacks. The competition for the sixth spot revolves around Elijah Jones and Starling Thomas V. Jones, a former high draft pick, has struggled in preseason opportunities, while Thomas V is still recovering from a torn ACL.

The Cardinals may opt to give Thomas V more time to return to full health but could hesitate to cut ties with Jones if they still believe in his talent. A strong final impression in this game could sway the decision-makers in either direction.