Cardinals Are Playing Their Starters Against the Raiders — Here’s What to Watch in Preseason Showdown

 Cardinals Are Playing Their Starters Against the Raiders — Here’s What to Watch in Preseason Showdown

The Arizona Cardinals are about to give fans an early look at their top players.

After keeping many of their key players out of the Hall of Fame Game, the Cardinals are expected to put their starters on the field against the Las Vegas Raiders in their next preseason matchup. The decision gives Arizona an important opportunity to evaluate its first-team offense and defense in live-game action.

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett is expected to be among the starters seeing action, while several other key players who did not participate in the Hall of Fame Game are also scheduled to get their first preseason reps.

Cardinals Starters Set to See Action

The biggest storyline heading into the game is simple: Arizona's starters are finally going to play.

Head coach Mike LaFleur indicated that the team's main players will be on the field, although their playing time will remain limited. The plan could involve roughly one drive, with a maximum of two for some of the top players depending on how the game develops.

That approach gives the Cardinals a chance to balance two important goals — getting their starters comfortable with live-game action while avoiding unnecessary preseason exposure.

For a team preparing for a long regular season, even a few competitive drives can provide valuable information.

Jacoby Brissett Gets Another Important Opportunity

Jacoby Brissett is one of the players attracting significant attention.

The veteran quarterback is expected to start against Las Vegas, giving him an opportunity to build chemistry with Arizona's first-team offense in an actual game environment.

The Cardinals can use these limited snaps to evaluate timing, communication, protection and decision-making before the regular season begins.

Rookie quarterback Carson Beck also remains a player to watch. Beck started Arizona's Hall of Fame Game against Carolina and received his first taste of NFL action.

Why This Preseason Game Matters

Preseason results are not usually the most important factor for an NFL team, but the individual performances can be extremely valuable.

For Arizona, this game provides a chance to see how its projected starters handle real-game speed and pressure. It also gives coaches an opportunity to evaluate players competing for roster spots and determine how the depth chart is beginning to take shape.

The Cardinals entered the 2026 preseason with additional games because of their participation in the Hall of Fame Game, giving the team more opportunities than most NFL clubs to evaluate its roster.

Raiders Will Provide a Different Test

The Las Vegas Raiders are also preparing for their preseason opener at Allegiant Stadium.

The Raiders' preseason schedule has Arizona visiting Las Vegas before the Raiders move on to Houston and later host San Francisco.

That means Thursday's matchup should give both teams an important first look at how their starters perform under game conditions.

With both organizations evaluating new personnel and developing their rosters, there should be plenty of individual battles worth watching.

What Fans Should Watch

There are several major storylines to follow when the Cardinals take the field.

First, watch the first-team offense. How quickly can Brissett establish rhythm with his receivers and offensive line?

Second, watch the running game. Arizona has several talented backs competing for roles, including Tyler Allgeier and rookie Jeremiyah Love.

Third, watch the defense. Even a short appearance by the starters can reveal how well the unit communicates and handles live-game situations.

Finally, watch the young players. Once the starters leave, younger players will have an opportunity to make their case for additional playing time and roster consideration.

Limited Snaps Could Still Make a Big Difference

The Cardinals are not expected to leave their starters on the field for an extended period.

That is understandable during the preseason. The objective is not necessarily to play a full game but to get valuable repetitions without exposing important players to unnecessary risk.

One or two drives could be enough to give the coaching staff the information it needs.

A successful opening series, strong communication and clean execution could be more meaningful than the final preseason score.

A Game Cardinals Fans Have Been Waiting For

Arizona fans did not get to see many of their top players in the Hall of Fame Game. That changes against the Raiders.

The matchup should provide the first real preseason glimpse of several important pieces working together, making it one of the more intriguing games on Arizona's preseason schedule.

The Cardinals will visit Allegiant Stadium to face the Raiders on Thursday, August 13, with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m. Pacific Time.

For fans, the result may not matter as much as the performance.

The real question is whether Arizona's starters can step onto the field, execute efficiently and leave the game healthy.

And for the Cardinals' coaching staff, those limited snaps could provide some of the most valuable information of the preseason.

Final Takeaway

The Cardinals are ready to put their starters to work against the Raiders.

Jacoby Brissett and other key players are expected to see action, while the coaching staff plans to keep their workload limited. The game should offer an early glimpse at Arizona's first-team offense and defense while giving younger players another opportunity to compete for important roster roles.

With the regular season approaching, every meaningful snap matters — and Cardinals fans finally have a chance to see their top players in live preseason action.