Arizona Cardinals bench 35 players for Hall of Fame Game

A handful of Arizona Cardinals will not suit up for the 2024 Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, with head coach Mike LaFleur saying that roughly 35 players are out of the lineup. The opener, played in Canton, Ohio, is the first chance for the team to test its roster against a full opponent after a long offseason. The Cardinals will field a roster that is missing a mix of veteran starters, backup starters, and developmental players who have been sidelined by injuries or placed on the reserve list.

The decision comes amid a crowded roster and a series of injuries that have hit the Cardinals hard. The team has spent the offseason adding depth at key positions, but a string of hamstring strains, a torn meniscus, and a lingering ankle injury have forced the coaching staff to cut the active roster to 53 players for the game. LaFleur said the missing players include a starting cornerback and two offensive linemen, as well as several wide receivers who are still rehabbing. The move is designed to give the remaining players more playing time and to keep the injured guys from risking further damage before the regular season begins.

Fans and analysts are watching the game to gauge how the Cardinals’ core will perform without those absences. The team’s offensive coordinator, who has a reputation for aggressive play-calling, will have to adjust the playbook to accommodate a smaller group of receivers. Defensively, the lack of a veteran safety could affect the depth of the secondary, especially in the early weeks when the Cardinals face a high-powered offense. The Cardinals’ front office has already started to shuffle the practice squad to fill gaps, and the coaching staff has announced that the missing players will return to practice on Friday.

The Hall of Fame Game will also be a testing ground for the Cardinals’ new draft picks and undrafted free agents. The coaching staff will be looking for those players to step up in the absence of their more experienced teammates. If the team can keep the game under control, it may signal that the roster is healthy enough to compete in the 18‑week regular season. If the Cardinals struggle, the organization may need to revisit its depth strategy before the first official game on September 8.