After breaking down all that goes into the upcoming 48 hours of roster construction, Jonathan Gannon realized something as he tilted his head with a smile.
"I guess I do enjoy it," the coach said Monday.
Players and staff alike have talked about the type of stress caused by this time of year. But it's also the time that allows Gannon and GM Monti Ossenfort to finalize a roster that they believe can win them games.
"I think it's a challenge that you have to do well," Gannon said. "Because you're looking at the 53 and the practice squad, as we sit here today, the roles will be defined with what that looks like and how important every role is. I feel really good about the guys that we're picking from to fill out those roles."
Gannon said it's a "feather in (Ossenfort's) cap" that the Cardinals entered camp unable to pencil in 53 players, providing each position group with open competition battles.
The deadline to trim the roster is at 1 p.m. Arizona time on Tuesday. After that, the Cardinals will keep an eye on the roster moves made throughout the league. Last year at the waiver wire the Cardinals were active, claiming a league-high six players -- including cornerback Starling Thomas V and tight end Elijah Higgins.
While the staff is holding conversations with the 2024 season in mind, they'll need to also consider the five-game suspension of wide receiver Zay Jones and the injury to Darius Robinson.
Gannon confirmed the Cardinals were aware of the NFL's investigation prior to signing the wide receiver to a one-year deal. But when looking at the back end of the Cardinals' room, there's depth that encourages Gannon.
Undrafted rookie Xavier Weaver had strong camp and laid out to haul in a 43-yard reception in the preseason finale loss to the Broncos on Sunday. Chris Moore, a veteran target with speed, has also showed flashes when given the opportunity.
Since Jones' suspension won't impact the 53-man roster, a spot could've opened up for one of the aforementioned players to make the cut.
Robinson, the 27th overall pick in the draft, went down with a calf injury at practice last week.
"I'm not going to speculate on how much time off or how much time he's going to miss, but he's dealing with a calf," Gannon said. "When he's ready to go, he'll go."
The Cardinals have the option to put Robinson on Injured Reserve. A rule change this year allows for the Cardinals to place Robinson on IR before they cut the roster down from 90 to 53.
With the reinforcements added to the defensive line room this offseason -- Justin Jones, Bilal Nichols, Khyiris Tonga, and re-signing L.J. Collier -- Gannon is confident if Robinson misses extended time.
"They've done a good job, and we've got some versatile guys in there that can wear a couple of different hats, which is good, helps the defense and helps fourth down a little bit," Gannon said. "Just need to figure out the piece of the puzzle and put them in position to make plays. I like it, though."
But which players will receive the call that they've made the initial roster? Gannon knows the clock is ticking.
It's also the part he enjoys.
"Sense of urgency is high as I'm sitting here right now," Gannon said. "For us too there's a starting line now that's becoming very clear in your vision. I don't want to say that our urgency is going to pick up, but it needs to pick up."
