Aug. 17, 2026, 7:52 p.m. MT
One intriguing position battle the Arizona Cardinals have is at wide receiver. Three spots are set with a fourth also with a favorite. But the final couple of spots have a tight battle. The three receiver positions that are set belong to Marvin Harrison Jr, Michael Wilson and Kendrick Bourne.
They are the three who will play a lot offensively. Devin Duvernay, if not a lock, is the favorite to take a fourth spot as the primary returner for kickoffs and punts. Four guys are vying for roster spots as well:
Ihmir Smith-Marsette Jalen Brooks Simi Fehoko Reggie Virgil Smith-Marsette has been named several times by media members as a guy making plays in practice. He has more been a return specialist in his career.
Brooks has done returning, but he has led the Cardinals in receiving in both preseason games. Head coach Mike LaFleur has mentioned him by name a couple of times during the offseason. Fehoko has had a touchdown catch in four consecutive preseason games, dating to last year, and a solid special teams player. He also has more than $1 million in guaranteed salary.
Virgil is a rookie, the Cardinals’ fifth-round pick. He has made plays both in practice and in both preseason games. If Smith-Marsette is going to make the roster, he probably would make it in place of Duvernay. If the Cardinals go with six receivers on the roster, then it is Fehoko, Brooks and Virgil battling for two spots. With two preseason games remaining, we will see how they perform in games and how they look on special teams. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify , YouTube or Apple Podcasts .
