03/10/2023

Young Runs

Young Runs Enthusiast

TE Stephen Anderson leaning on his versatility

TE Stephen Anderson leaning on his versatility

GLENDALE — The Arizona Cardinals’ restricted finishes place is as stacked as it’s ever been.

Zach Ertz is wanting to select up the place he remaining just after the signing up for the crew midseason final 12 months, Maxx Williams is again between his teammates next a promising period minimize short owing to injuries and rookie Trey McBride undoubtedly seems the aspect early on.

So where by does that leave a person like Stephen Anderson on a staff that only saved 3 limited finishes on the 53-male roster to get started 2021?

“I sort of relaxation my hat on my flexibility,” Anderson explained Wednesday. “For all those that noticed final yr, I played fullback a great deal. I know this offense usually does not have a fullback but if Kliff decides to then we can.

“Along with my means to block in room, block in line, line up out wide, line up in the backfield as very well as my contributions on unique teams, I feel like I have a lane of my individual in a perception.”

The 6-year veteran seems to be to carve out a job in Arizona soon after paying out the earlier a few seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. Mainly used as a distinctive teamer, Anderson recorded 271 yards and a landing on 24 catches (30 targets).

But with accidents and rest days limiting the trio of Ertz, Williams and McBride this training camp, Anderson has gotten more prospects to show of his abilities in head mentor Kliff Kingsbury’s offense.

Final Wednesday was one of Anderson’s best, with the tight conclusion hauling in a pair of red-zone touchdowns from quarterback Colt McCoy.

“He’s gotten a ton of reps, bought a ton of targets and has created the most of it,” Kingsbury said. “I hadn’t witnessed him used as substantially as we’re utilizing him in the passing game, but he’s stepped up and has carried out a pleasant career with it.

“Comes to function each individual working day, knows what to do, physical. We have been really happy with what we have witnessed so far.”

The up coming stage now for Anderson is to set it all collectively Friday night against the Cincinnati Bengals.

A tale of two Cincys

Veteran vast receiver A.J. Environmentally friendly and rookie outside the house linebacker Myjai Sanders will return to their outdated stomping grounds when the workforce travels to Cincinnati this 7 days.

For Sanders, the matchup from the Bengals carries additional pounds than just the initial NFL preseason sport of his career. It’s a return back again to wherever he expended his university times. It is also the place the younger outdoors linebacker grew to become a father.

“I truly just appear at it as just demonstrating the Bearcats that it’s possible to do something and have the young kids on the lookout up to me asking issues and stuff,” Sanders stated Monday.

“Another major motive (why I’m enthusiastic to return to Cincinnati) is because which is the place my child was born at. I’d like for her to see me for the very first time in a uniform.”

For Environmentally friendly, it is significantly far more of a business trip.

“I performed 10 many years there, 10 seasons, had a good time,” he claimed. “Still obtained some real near buddies who are a element of that firm. It’ll be superior to see them, but truly no feelings proper now (on returning to Cincinnati).”

Speedy HITS

– Wednesday’s apply observed a large part of projected starters specified the day off for rest and/or restoration. It also permitted all those actively playing Friday to get sufficient practice reps ahead of heading to Cincinnati.

– Cardinals TE Zach Ertz is coming along with his calf challenge, for each Kingsbury.

– Kicker Matt Prater celebrated his 38th birthday on Wednesday. He got a wonderful shock from his buddies and spouse and children after follow.

TE Stephen Anderson leaning on his versatility