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John Brown Moves Into QB Neighborhood

Notebook: Rookie wideout next to Palmer; Cardinals name captains for 2014

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Ever since the summer, wide receiver John Brown (12) and quarterback Carson Palmer have been talking a lot of football. That'll just now increase after the rookie wideout had his locker moved next to Palmer.


John Brown wandered around the locker room at the Cardinals' training facility on Tuesday, unable to find his new home.

The Cardinals pared down to a 53-man roster on Saturday, which gave Brown and the other young players a permanent locker after spending the offseason in temporary spaces. Usually each position group is clumped together, so Brown scanned the names of Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and others but couldn't find his placard in the same

row.

Instead, his locker was over by quarterback Carson Palmer.

"I was expecting to be where all the other receivers were," Brown said. "I never checked over here."

Brown's new location was no mistake, as Palmer requested the rookie wideout be put next to him. The pair developed a rapport this summer when they worked out together in Palmer's home state of California, and he wants that chemistry to continue.

"He's over here in the suburbs with us," Palmer said. "He's a guy that I like to be talking with through certain situations as practice comes up. He and I have had a great working relationship, and this gives us a chance to go over some things during practice that we can cover after practice."

Brown said it was weird at first being away from his wide receiver crew, but said he sees the benefits of his new location.

"I don't mind," Brown said. "I'm going to talk his ear off when it comes to football."

TRADING INTEL BEFORE MONDAY NIGHT?

The Cardinals and their Week 1 foe, San Diego, each signed a player from the other team following final cuts Saturday, but when it comes to trade secrets, coach Bruce Arians believes the Chargers came out ahead.

They got Ryan Lindley, a quarterback who had been in Arizona for more than two years, while the Cardinals added linebacker Thomas Keiser.

"Ryan probably knows a whole lot more about both sides of the ball than Tom does," Arians said. "(Keiser) knows how to rush the passer. I don't know what he's going to tell me about Phillip (Rivers') offense."

Arians said he will need to make some adjustments with Lindley now in San Diego, as he does whenever there is a former coach or player on the opposing sideline. He believes both players were signed on their merit, not just to get a sneak peek into the opposing system.

Palmer believes the addition of Lindley gives the Chargers a small boost, but the Cardinals can't change their game plan because of it.

"They might have a bead on a thing here or there, but we've got to stick with our roles, stick with what we've been doing, what we've been working on, and we'll be fine," Palmer said.

FOUR PLAYERS NAMED TEAM CAPTAINS

Palmer, defensive end Calais Campbell, punter Dave Zastudil and linebacker Lorenzo Alexander have been chosen as the team's captains for the season, with more than 20 players getting votes in the election by the players.

"To be nominated by your teammates is pretty special," Zastudil said. "It's something I am going to embrace and lead, especially the special teams. We have a chance to be really good."

Arians said Campbell (defense) and Palmer (offense) were elected in a landslide. With defensive tackle Darnell Dockett out for the season, Campbell has vowed to take on a bigger leadership role, although Arians doesn't want to see his personality change.

"I'm a leader and got to talk a lot? Just shut up and do what you do," Arians said. "That's being a leader. If a young guy needs help, help him. We have cheerleaders. We don't need any more rah-rah stuff."

WATFORD DABBLES AT RIGHT TACKLE

Earl Watford didn't win a starting job in training camp, and will be a backup at guard heading into the regular season. With that pecking order established, he practiced on Tuesday at right tackle to increase his versatility.

Watford has never played the position but welcomes the opportunity.

"It gives me more flexibility on the O-line, and it's always good the more you know," Watford said. "I'm excited to do more. Right now I'm not starting, so it gives me an opportunity to work on some things."

Bradley Sowell is the only backup to starting tackles Jared Veldheer and Bobby Massie on the roster.

FITZGERALD SHOULD BE FINE

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (knee) worked on the outside field while his teammates were in the bubble at the outset of practice, but Arians said the injury is no big deal. Linebacker Alex Okafor rode a stationary bike during the portion open to the media. The team's overall health is good.

"I can't remember going into the first practice having everybody practice," Arians said. "It was really, really good."

With a Monday game, the first injury report of the week will not be issued until Thursday.

THREE ADDED TO PRACTICE SQUAD

The Cardinals added defensive tackle Christian Tupou, running back Dominique Williams and wide receiver Kevin Cone to the practice squad. Williams comes from the Vikings and Cone from the Dolphins.

Images of the Cardinals playing on Monday night


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