Offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich gazed in amazement at the Cardinals' huddle during Thursday's practice.
Running back David Johnson was there, as was wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Around them? Rookies galore.
"We had like seven or eight of them in the huddle today," Leftwich said. "It's crazy."
The Cardinals (3-9) are coming off an energizing last-second win over the Packers, and would love to capture back-to-back games for the first time this season Sunday against the Lions. The degree of difficulty has increased, though, due to a litany of injuries on offense.
Leading receiver Christian Kirk broke his foot against the Packers, robbing the Cardinals of their most explosive passing game threat. Left guard Mike Iupati and left tackle D.J. Humphries also went on injured reserve this week, leaving the Cardinals without a single player from their projected offensive line in training camp.
It is conceivable for seven rookies – quarterback Josh Rosen, center Mason Cole, left tackle Korey Cunningham, left guard Colby Gossett, wideout Trent Sherfield, running back Chase Edmonds and possibly wide receiver Jalen Tolliver – to play a snap together on Sunday.
"I know it's a situation that most people wish they weren't in, but I don't mind it," Leftwich said. "Let's go. Let's see how it goes."
Even though the offensive line is patched together, it held up surprisingly well in Green Bay. Rosen was only sacked twice and the Cardinals rushed for a season-high 182 yards.
"They've been battling their butts off up front," Rosen said. "It has not been a distinctive change with the amount of time I've had in the pocket. They're playing really hard and playing pretty well."
Kirk's absence hinders a passing game that has already been uneven in 2018. Fitzgerald should be the go-to target but there are questions behind him in the receiving corps. Sherfield, an undrafted free agent, could see an uptick in playing time, while second-year pass-catcher Chad Williams (ankle) will return from a four-game absence. Sherfield knows the outside expectations are low.
"We've actually been overlooked even when we had Christian," Sherfield said. "I honestly believe now that a whole lot more teams are like, 'Well, we're definitely going to overlook them now with Christian gone.' But we have guys in the room. We have talent in the room."
After so much offensive upheaval, the Cardinals' defense will likely need to lead the way. It played well against the Packers, holding quarterback Aaron Rodgers to one of the worst statistical games of his career.
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has not fared well in his past six games but the veteran has arm strength and improvisational skills like Rodgers.
"They present some of the same problems for the defense," cornerback Patrick Peterson said.
While the Cardinals are in the midst of a losing season, coach Steve Wilks said the infusion of all the rookies has been invigorating. The hope is that the youthful exuberance contributes to another victory.
"The energy is definitely there," Wilks said. "The sense of urgency is there as well. They're getting an opportunity to get out there and perform, so it's exciting."
Past images between the Cardinals and Sunday's opponent in the regular season opener, the Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions halfback Dan Lewis (45) looks like he is about to be toppled by Chicago Cardinals back Jim Wagstaff (on ground), but Lewis was too fleet for him. He ran a good ten yards more in this fourth quarter play before another player nailed him. At rear is Cardinals linebacker Ted Bates (51). The Lions scored early and kept a healthy lead throughout the game to win 54-21, on Dec. 7, 1959 in Detroit.
A Jim Hart pass to Johnny Holand (23) was good for 35 yards in the first quarter Sunday, Oct. 1, 1967 in a game between the Cardinals and Detroit. The Cardinals' Jackie Smith throws a block at Bruce Maher of the Lions. St. Louis won 38-28.
The Cardinals Johnny Roland gained only one yard on this second quarter play against the Lions, Sunday, Oct. 1, 1967, St. Louis, Mo. Detroiters are Wayne Walker (55), Mike Lucci, ground, and Darris McCord, rear. Cards won 38-28.
Don Parish (57) with the Cardinals grabs Detroit?s Altie Taylor (42) to stop the Lions with a 5 yd on Dec. 6, 1970 in Detroit. gain in the third quarter of play.
St. Louis Cardinals tight end Jackie Smith (81) faces Detroit Lions linebacker Wayne Walker (55) circa 1970.
Detroit's Lem Barney, 20, watches the ball disappear from his grip as he was running back a punt in the first quarter on Dec. 6, 1970 in Detroit. The Cardinals' Jim McFarland is putting the tackle on Barney. St. Louis' Jerry Daanen recovered the Lions fumble on the Lion 37, putting them in range for a field goal.
Detroit Lions' running back Billy Sims waves to fans after victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, 20- 6, in Pontiac, Michigan, Sept. 22, 1980. Sims picked up 95 yards and one touchdown.
Detroit Lions' running back Billy Sims takes off during St. Louis Cardinals game at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan, Sept. 22, 1980.
Detroit Lions quarterback Andre Ware (11) runs from the pocket trying to avoid the tackle of Phoenix Cardinals outside linebacker Freddie Joe Nunn (50) during the first quarter in Pontiac, Mich., Sept. 26, 1993. Ware lead the Lions to a 26-20 victory by completing 11 of 24 passes for 194 yards.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Herman Moore (84) catches a 32-yard pass as Phoenix Cardinals cornerback Aeneas Williams (35) defends during the fourth quarter in Pontiac, Mich., Sept. 26, 1993. The Lions went on to defeat the Cardinals 26-20.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Pittman (32) is wrapped up by Detroit Lions' Stephen Boyd (57) Allen Aldridge (55), Rob Fredrickson (53) and Robert Porcher (91) for a loss of yardage in the second quarter Sunday, Nov. 1, 1998, in Pontiac, Mich.
In a Sept. 7, 2003 photo, Arizona Cardinals' Anquan Boldin is stopped by Detroit Lions' Eddie Drummond, right, and defensive back Jimmy Wyrick at Ford Field in Detroit.
In a Sept. 7, 2003 photo, Arizona Cardinals' Anquan Boldin pulls away from Detroit Lions defensive back Jimmy Wyrick at Ford Field in Detroit.
Detroit Lions quarterback Joey Harrington (3) is dragged down from behind by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Peppi Zellner (94) after an 8- yard gain in first quarter Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, in Detroit.
Detroit Lions cornerback Dre Bly (32) holds up the ball after intercepting the pass intended for Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) in the third quarter at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004. Bly had two interceptions for the Lions in their 26-12 win.
Arizona Cardinals place kicker Neil Rackers celebrates his 51-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005. The Lions beat the Cardinals 29-21.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald catches a 8-yard touchdown pass against the Detroit Lions in the fourth quarter in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005. Fitzgerald had 141 yards on nine receptions in the Cardinals' 29-21 loss.
Arizona Cardinals' Edgerrin James (32) picks up a short gain as Detroit Lions' Teddy Lehman (54) pulls him down during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals' Fred Wakefield (87) and Detroit Lions Ernie Sims (80) are separated by line judge Ron Marinucci during the second quarter of their football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart (7) throws during the first quarter of their football game while under pressure from Detroit Lions' Corey Smith (93), Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) lunges toward the end zone for a touchdown as Detroit Lions linebacker Teddy Lehman, right, defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007 in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Tim Rattay, top, calls signals while under center near the Detroit Lions' goal line in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 31-21.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, left, escapes the pass rush of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby, right, in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007, in Glendale, Ariz.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals safety Antrel Rolle (21) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Bryant McFadden (25) brings down Detroit Lions wide receiver Bryant Johnson (80) in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Steve Breaston (15) reaches for the end zone as he's pushed out of bounds by Detroit Lions cornerback DeAngelo Smith (39) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009.
Arizona Cardinals running back Beanie Wells (26) stiff-arms Detroit Lions middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch (55) during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) makes an interception to set up a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals strong safety Rashad Johnson (49) and Daryl Washington during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) runs in a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the first half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals running back Rashard Mendenhall (28) scores the go-ahead touchdown down as Detroit Lions linebacker Rocky McIntosh (52) defends during the second half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson is tackled by Arizona Cardinals defensive end John Abraham (55) during the first half of a NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) hands off against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz.
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) is hit by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Tommy Kelly during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) stops Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is tackled by Detroit Lions free safety Glover Quin (27) during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015.
Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) rushes against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) drops back to pass against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015.
Arizona Cardinals running back Kerwynn Williams (33) reacts with Evan Boehm (70) after scoring a 3-yard touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017.
Arizona Cardinals offensive guard Mike Iupati (76) blocks against Detroit Lions defensive end Jeremiah Ledbetter (98) during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017.
Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Chandler Jones (55) sacks Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the first half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) is hit by Detroit Lions defensive back DeShawn Shead (26) during a punt return during the second half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs as Detroit Lions middle linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) pursues during the second half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals strong safety Budda Baker (36) during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver J.J. Nelson (14) during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
