Cody Simon played more than 40 percent of the snaps in each preseason game last year.
When he slid into the starting lineup following Mack Wilson Sr.'s season-ending injury, he was prepared because of that experience.
"It feels like you're drinking through a fire hose, but I think that really allowed me to get a little bit more comfortable," the linebacker said. "Obviously nothing is perfect, but that definitely gave me the confidence to be able to even go out there and play in the regular season and really make an impact."
On Saturday, the Cardinals host the Cowboys at State Farm Stadium. While most teams only have three preseason games, and this will be the third preseason for the Cardinals, there is still a joint practice in Green Bay and a fourth game against the Packers on the schedule.
That extra time gives an additional opportunity for players to add to their tape, which is critical, especially for people in position battles.
Simon, Wilson, and Jack Gibbens are sure things to make the roster. Behind them, Owen Pappoe, Eugene Asante, and rookie Karson Sharar are trying to find their path to the 53-man roster.
It's the same story for the wide receiver room, among some others.
Because Jalen Brooks had shared a wide receiver room with George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb in Dallas previously, there weren't many reps available. It's a similar situation with Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Kendrick Bourne.
That's what makes a game like Saturday that much more important.
"I have expectations for myself, so I wouldn't say pressure, but some would say pressure is a privilege and it's been very nice," Brooks said. "With the amount of targets I get, it feels more rewarding than more pressure because I know I worked my tail off to put myself in this position."
After two preseason games, Brooks leads all Arizona receivers with 151 yards on nine receptions.
LaFleur said most starters won't play, but some guys who will start in the regular season will see some action against the Cowboys. Offensively, Gardner Minshew will get the start in place of Jacoby Brissett at quarterback. The starting offensive line will not play. LaFleur did not share much of a plan for the defense.
But if Simon is out there, he knows firsthand just how valuable it is to log some preseason reps.
"That gave my coaches a little bit more confidence in me," Simon said. "And just trying to make sure I can do my job and do it at the level I needed to be at."
