When training camp began, Josh Bynes was projected to start at middle linebacker in the Cardinals' base defense and leave the field in nickel packages.
In Sunday night's third preseason game against the Cowboys, he remained on the field in nickel sets alongside Deone Bucannon, and that could be the new pairing for the regular season. Second-year linebacker Haason Reddick, the team's 2017 first-round pick, played with the second string against Dallas after previously working as the starter next to Bucannon.
"We're looking at some different things, from a standpoint of mixing guys in," coach Steve Wilks said. "From Reddick being in there in base as well as nickel, and likewise Josh Bynes."
Bynes returned from a sprained neck against the Cowboys and finished with three tackles and a fumble recovery. Reddick played the second half and totaled seven tackles, including one for loss. Reddick, who played defensive end in college, has unique athletic ability but is still learning the mental part of the linebacker position.
"He has the skillset," Wilks said. "We know that. Very talented guy. First-round draft pick. But I think just with the transition of the 3-4 to the 4-3 and commanding the huddle, understanding exactly what everyone around you is doing, that's where it starts. Because he is the quarterback on the defense."
Bynes, Buccanon and Reddick are still projected to be the starting linebackers in the base defense.
ROSEN'S STATUS STILL MURKY
Wilks said he is "still debating" whether or not to play quarterback Josh Rosen (thumb) in Thursday's preseason finale against the Broncos. The preference would be to get the rookie some action, but Wilks is balancing a couple of factors.
"Health is one, and also his ability to make sure he keeps his timing," Wilks said. "We want to make sure he has an opportunity to go out there and keep his mechanics and the things we've expressed throughout training camp. The things he's built upon so far, I don't want him to lose that."
Rosen is 16-of-29 for 148 yards and a touchdown in two preseason games. He did not play Sunday against the Cowboys.
KEY TIME FOR BRANDON WILLIAMS
Cornerback Brandon Williams never overtook Jamar Taylor for the No. 2 cornerback spot, and now seems to be firmly behind Bené Benwikere on the depth chart. Williams, the team's 2016 third-round pick, didn't play against the Cowboys on Sunday due to an ankle injury.
Wilks would like to see him on the field on Thursday against Denver. The Cardinals must finalize their 53-man roster on Saturday.
"I feel like he definitely needs to play," Wilks said, "just to be able to get out there and be a part of a live game situation. Going against a different team and putting yourself in those positions, even on special teams. So hopefully he is able to play this week."
Images of the "Sunday Night Football" affair in Arlington, Texas
Arizona Cardinals defensive back Patrick Peterson (21) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on an interception during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018.
CB Patrick Peterson returns his interception for a touchdown.
Cardinals fans in Dallas
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) looks on before a preseason NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Chandler Jones (55) runs up field during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018.
WR Larry Fitzgerald in warmups
RB Chase Edmonds
Arizona Cardinals tight end Gabe Holmes (85) warms up before an preseason NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Andre Smith (71), offensive guard Justin Pugh (67) and center Mason Cole (64) line up for a play during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9) is sacked by Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory as Cardinals' D.J. Humphries (74) defends in the first half of an preseason NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Lance Lenoir (14) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Trent Sherfield (16) stare down each other after a punt during the first half of a preseason NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds (29) carries the ball during the first half.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Trent Sherfield (16) recovers a fumbled punt-return in the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018. Cowboys linebacker Justin March-Lillard (53) moves in on the play.
QB Mike Glennon
Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds (29) puts on his helmet before a preseason NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Corey Willis (83) before an preseason NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018.
CB Patrick Peterson forces a fumble
S Budda Baker intercepts a pass
Cardinals CB Bene' Benwikere on punt coverage
Cardinals K Phil Dawson on the field goal try
The Cardinals defense celebrates another takeaway
Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds, left, is wrapped up by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (27) after a long run.
Cowboys running back Rod Smith is tackled by Arizona Cardinals defensive back Antoine Bethea as defensive back Patrick Peterson moves in.
S Rudy Ford
RB T.J. Logan scrambles for a TD
The Cardinals defense celebrates
CB Patrick Peterson forces a fumble
Arizona running back T.J. Logan carries the ball for a 59-Yard touchdown during the second half.
DE Cap Capi celebrates a strip-sack and fumble recovery
DE Vontarrius Dora and DE Siupeli Anau combine for the sack
Arizona Cardinals defensive back Patrick Peterson during the first half.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory (94) pressures Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9).
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Deone Bucannon reacts after dropping Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush.
Cardinals quarterback Mike Glennon looks to throw.
Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk carries as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (27) defends.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks looks on during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas.
Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds carries as Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith defends.
Arizona defensive back Jamar Taylor lines up against the Dallas Cowboys offense.
Dallas linebacker Damien Wilson tackles Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Little.
Cardinals quarterback Charles Kanoff throws under pressure during the second half.
Cowboys wide receiver Lance Lenoir looks for room against Cardinals cornerback Deatrick Nichols.
Dallas wide receiver Michael Gallup can't get to the ball as Cardinals defensive back Patrick Peterson defends.
Arizona running back T.J. Logan runs past Cowboys linebacker Justin March-Lillard.
Cardinals punter Andy Lee punts during the second half.
Dallas cornerback Jourdan Lewis tackles Cardinals wide receiver Brice Butler.
Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk is chased by Cowboys linebacker Joe Thomas.
Dallas tight end Rico Gathers is upended by Cardinals cornerback Deatrick Nichols during the second half.
Arizona offensive guard John Wetzel (73), Josh Allen (66) and center Evan Boehm (70) block during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys.
Cardinals running back T.J. Logan fields a punt during the second half.
Cardinals linebacker Gerald Hodges forces a fumble from Cowboys tight end Blake Jarwin.
Arizona center Daniel Munyer.
Cardinals defensive end Vontarrius Dora tackles Dallas Cowboys quarterback Mike White during the second half.
Arizona running back T.J. Logan looks for room to run.
Cardinals defensive back Travell Dixon celebrates an interception against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half.
