Training camp is over, earlier than it has been for the Cardinals in recent memory.
Coach Steve Wilks had his team back at practice Sunday, outside in the heat, with a full week of work to prepare for the Cowboys in Dallas on "Sunday Night Football." With the game on Sunday, it provides Wilks with the perfect setup to transition into a regular-season routine – two lighter days of work through Monday, a normal Tuesday day off, and then the regular practice schedule starting Wednesday.
"This was always in the plans because I wanted those guys to get acclimated to how we are going to do it during the year," Wilks said. "Get away from University of Phoenix Stadium, to get back to Tempe and get into the routine. Routine is so important to me.'
The routine will only be available for a week – the Cardinals close the preseason with the finale Aug. 30 at home against the Broncos, only four days after the Cowboys' game. The regular-season begins Sept. 9 at home against Washington.
NKEMDICHE DAY-TO-DAY, BUCANNON CLOSE TO RETURNING
Defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche, who has been battling a right foot injury, is day-to-day, Wilks said.
"I don't want to press Robert to get back out there," Wilks said. "Biggest thing, I want him to be back for the season opener."
Linebacker Josh Bynes (neck) did return to limited work Sunday, and Wilks said he expects linebacker Deone Bucannon (knee) to return to practice this week. Wide receiver Brice Butler (foot) and quarterback Mike Glennon (forearm) are also day-to-day situations, he said. There is a hope Butler returns this week. Wilks said he doesn't know yet if Glennon will play Sunday in Dallas.
PRAISING ROSEN
Wilks praised the ability of rookie quarterback Josh Rosen on his touchdown pass, not only that he was able to find rookie receiver Christian Kirk in the end zone but that Rosen was able to "hit the reset button" after an initial false start pushed the offense back to the Saints' 8-yard line and, after an incompletion, a delay of game that moved the ball back to the 13.
"It really tells you the potential the young man has," Wilks said.
