When training camp began and there was constant talk about what the wide receivers room looked like for the Cardinals, Simi Fehoko was rarely mentioned.
That's OK. Fehoko isn't going to be part of the offense often for the Cardinals this season, not with health. But he is going to be part of the team, as the focus becomes clearer on what the first 53-man roster will look like after Saturday's preseason finale against the Raiders.
Fehoko is a guy the Cardinals need. He had a touchdown catch -- his second in as many games -- but more importantly a pair of special teams tackles and the attention of coach Jonathan Gannon.
"He had a hell of a camp and a preseason," Gannon said.
Gannon had called the Raiders game "a big piece" of determining the final roster. We'll never know exactly how big. Second-year outside linebacker Xavier Thomas may have played his way on by wrecking the Raiders. So too cornerback Elijah Jones, who showed up and has length that is invaluable in the secondary.
It feels pretty certain Fehoko was already going to be on the team, with his 6-foot-4 frame and a need after wideout/special teamer Zach Pascal was allowed to walk in free agency.
The top four receivers are set: Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Zay Jones and Greg Dortch, all of whom sat out Saturday. Xavier Weaver was also trying to make a push for a spot against the Raiders.
But Fehoko is going to be around.
"in college I wasn't one of those guys who was like I want to run down on a kickoff and tackle someone," Fehoko said. "It's just not something I view myself as. And slowly in my time in the league I realized however you can add value to a team, whatever you can bring, that's how you'll see the field."
-- Could the Cardinals keep five running backs? Gannon hasn't ruled it out, and man, they all make a case. James Conner and Trey Benson are "co-RB1," OK. But Emari Demercado already looked like a lock and played well again Saturday. DeeJay Dallas is a key special teamer. But Michael Carter, the one who knows he can play in this league, did it again Saturday, getting hemmed in on a 3rd-and-14 and reversing field and finding his way to a 38-yard gain. Carter might be too good to let go. That's going to be fascinating to watch play out.
-- That doesn't even include Zonovan "Bam" Knight, who has all kinds of speed and showed it on a 67-yard TD scamper. Next Gen Stats had him at 21.29 mph on the play. Knight could be a practice squad guy.
-- Elijah Jones looked really good. Rookie Denzel Burke, who started ahead of him, had a tough time on the first drive against the Raiders getting flagged for a pass interference and surrendering a touchdown. Darren Hall, the hybrid cornerback/safety, made a couple plays too. Kei'Trel Clark had nearly had a pick-6 and a good pass breakup. What the Cardinals do in the secondary with the roster will be one of Tuesday's stories.
-- Back in the building Saturday night was former Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin, who sat next to owner Michael Bidwill taking in the game. It was good to see, although before anyone asks about Ring of Honor, remember until Fitz goes in, the conversation about that topic with anyone else is on hold.
-- As in Denver, Gannon had the entire team suit up and take part in warmups, save for two vets: Calais Campbell and Kelvin Beachum.
-- Jonathan Gannon is about making sure he has redundancy of extra playcallers on his staff (as well as an idea of who might be a candidate if Nick Rallis or Drew Petzing leave to be a head coach at some point.) At points in the preseason games, defensive backs coach Patrick Toney, cornerbacks coach Ryan Smith, linebackers coach Cristian Garcia, passing game coordinator Drew Terrell and offensive line coach Justin Frye all got a chance to take over playcalling for a time.
-- Clayton Tune wasn't going to surpass Jacoby Brissett. That's OK. But Tune played better against the Raiders than in Denver against the Broncos. His escapability was excellent most of the night, using his legs to buy time or gain yards. I only expect the Cardinals to keep two QBs on the active roster, but they will have one on the practice squad. Tune was working to be that guy.
That's all for tonight. Goodnight to yet another preseason.
