Defensive tackle Frostee Rucker (92) celebrates the end of training camp Thursday.
The Cardinals had reported to training camp way back on July 21, and Thursday, it finally came to an end.
"Camp's over. Yay." coach Bruce Arians deadpanned.
"I've never been to jail," tackle D.J. Humphries added, "but I'm pretty sure I don't want to go after these five weeks."
Arians guessed the Cardinals know about 45 they want for the 53-man roster, with other spots still to be determined based on special teams, roster makeup and play in the final two preseason games. The coach had said all spring he wanted to have a tougher camp than the Cards had in 2016. That was accomplished, he said.
"I think we had a more physical camp than we've ever had with fewer injuries than we've ever had," Arians said, adding "we
put ourselves in situations that I think we've become a smarter team."
The Cardinals have the next two preseason games and their first two regular-season games away from University of Phoenix Stadium. They don't play at home again until Sept. 25.
"We've been here so long (for camp), probably won't miss it," Arians said.
CONFIDENCE IN NKEMDICHE RECOVERY
Arians said he wasn't concerned about the calf strain that defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche suffered Tuesday. Nkemdiche will not play Saturday and he wasn't going to play in the preseason finale next week, but Arians is hopeful he will be back on the field in a week to 10 days.
"I don't think he'll miss any (regular-season) games," Arians said.
POSSIBLE JOINT PRACTICES IN 2018
Arians has talked every year how he likes having joint training camp practices with another team. The Cardinals did it in 2016 with the Chargers in San Diego. Logistically, however, it is not an easy situation, deciding which team travels and the
accompanying needs at a facility.
Arians said had the Cardinals done it this camp, this would've been the most obvious week, working with the Falcons in Atlanta before Saturday's game.
"I didn't want to have a joint practice with five preseason games," Arians said. "It would be too much."
Arians said he has had discussions with the Raiders and coach Jack Del Rio about getting together. He also said the Cardinals will be making improvements to the outside fields at University of Phoenix Stadium, making them better equipped to handle a joint workout.
CARDINALS CUT CORNERBACK
The Cardinals waived rookie cornerback Daniel Gray Thursday, creating a roster spot which could go unfilled.
Images of the Cardinals' training camp standouts from the past several weeks
S Tyrann Mathieu was never quite right in 2016 as he continued to recover from a torn ACL. He was back to his All-Pro form in camp, picking off numerous passes and blanketing receivers consistently.
S Tyrann Mathieu
S Tyrann Mathieu
S Budda Baker missed almost all of the offseason work, but proved to be a quick learner in camp, ascending quickly to the second team. While Baker isn't expected to start on defense when the season kicks off, his natural talent and play-making ability will be another option in DC James Bettcher's arsenal.
S Budda Baker
S Budda Baker
When training camp started, QB Blaine Gabbert was in a fight to make the team. He played so well that there were legitimate questions about his ability to challenge Drew Stanton for the backup job. Stanton remains the No. 2, but Gabbert seems exceedingly likely to secure a roster spot.
QB Blaine Gabbert
QB Blaine Gabbert
DT Robert Nkemdiche had a frustrating rookie season, but was a new player in camp. He was the disruptive force the team envisioned when it made him a first-round pick in 2016. Nkemdiche strained his calf this week, but the team expects to get him back by the opener.
DT Robert Nkemdiche
DT Robert Nkemdiche
WR Jaron Brown tore his ACL last season, an injury that can linger for several months after a player returns to action. He showed no ill effects in camp and actually improved his standing. Brown is currently the team's No. 2 receiver with John Brown's health in flux.
WR Jaron Brown
WR Jaron Brown
There is only one round of cuts this year, meaning teams can carry up to 90 players through their final preseason game. In previous years, the team would have had to cut to 75 following this weekend's games. Teams must get down to 53 by Sept. 2.
