–The Cardinals got some good news on Wednesday when tight end Jermaine Gresham (Achilles) and defensive end Markus Golden both were full participants in practice for the first time together since last season. They both stand a good chance to play Sunday against the Bears, according to head coach Steve Wilks.
“I hope so. I hope so,” he said. “They looked good when they were out there. Doing some great things within the scheme, so I’m excited about where they are, and hopefully, they can take part this week.”
If they do, they’ll bring a tremendous amount of passion and leadership to the team. Gresham and Golden are two of the Cardinals’ biggest — and loudest — personalities.
“That is a major plus when you’re talking about a team that is 0-2, that needs a spark, needs some energy,” Wilks said. “Those two guys definitely bring that, particularly Jermaine. Very vocal, high-strung guy. Loves to compete, is going to get his teammates going. And Markus is the same way. I can’t wait to get those guys back out there.”
–Linebacker Joe Walker was signed off the Eagles’ practice squad on Wednesday. Walker played in 12 games for the Super Bowl champions last season, including three starts. He finished with 10 tackles and added three more on special teams. He was a seventh-round pick out of Oregon in 2016. Walker spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve because a knee issue.
–Defensive tackle Garrison Smith was released on Tuesday. In other roster moves, the team signed linebacker Nigel Harris to the practice squad and released linebacker B.J. Bello from the practice squad. Harris, 23, played in eight games last season with the Chargers, Giants and the Buccaneers, who released him earlier this month.
–“I think with Dave it’s just if you give him enough opportunities, he’s eventually going to make a play. I think it’s just staying committed to finding ways to get him the ball. Whether it’s in space, whether it’s in the box, I think he’s shown that he can make plays regardless of where he’s at as long as the ball’s in his hands. I think it’s just staying committed to getting him his touches and allowing him to be himself.” — Quarterback Sam Bradford on trying to find ways to get running back David Johnson the ball in open space.
–Three of the team’s five wide receivers have yet to catch a pass this season. Chad Williams has been targeted six times and doesn’t have a reception. J.J. Nelson has only been targeted once and he doesn’t have a reception. And rookie Trent Sherfield has yet to play a single snap on offense. A fourth wide receiver, rookie Christian Kirk, has five catches for 31 yards on seven targets.
–The Bears and the Patriots are the only two teams the Cardinals have not defeated at State Farm Stadium, which opened in 2006.
–Cornerback Patrick Peterson’s interception last week against the Rams marked his seventh in his career against the Rams. No active player has more interceptions against a single opponent than Peterson does against Los Angeles.
–Running back/fullback Elijhaa Penny was claimed by the Giants off of the Cardinals’ practice squad. The team signed running back Jalen Simmons as his replacement on the practice squad. Simmons was released by the Giants at the end of the preseason.
“Elijhaa’s a great guy. I’m happy for him, let me say that, No. 1,” Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks said. “He did a great job for us, not only since I’ve been here, but even just in the past before I got here with some of the things I heard about him. Just a complete pro. To get an opportunity to be able to go and be on the 53-(man roster), be active and try to get into a game and make some things happen, I’m happy for him. I know that’s going to be something special, so hopefully he makes the best of it.”
BY THE NUMBERS: 161 — Total acceptable false-start penalties accepted against Cardinals’ opponents at State Farm Stadium dating back to 2006, the highest total among all NFL teams in home games during that span. That’s one way the Cardinals’ defense might be able to slow down the Bears this week.
