Arizona Cardinals training camp observations: Starling Thomas goes down with injury

Three days into training camp, the Arizona Cardinals have already picked up a pair of new injuries.

A day after linebacker J.J. Russell sustained a concussion, cornerback Starling Thomas V went up to contest a pass along the sideline. As Thomas fell to the ground holding his left leg, teammates immediately called for medical attention.

Thomas eventually stood under his own power and was helped to the medical cart, which brought him to the locker room. The Cardinals are off until July 27, meaning the next updates on Thomas will likely come then.

A former undrafted free agent, Thomas had a promising second season in 2024, entrenching himself as a key part of the Cardinals’ cornerback rotation. Entering camp, he appeared to be a part of a three-man competition for two spots at outside corner, along with Max Melton and Will Johnson. Through the first three days, Melton has consistently run with the first team, while Johnson and Thomas have rotated through the second spot.

Here are some other observations from the action on Day 3 of camp:

Trey Benson continues to be involved with first team

For the second day in a row, Trey Benson took the first handoff of 11-on-11 drills, rather than James Conner, the Cardinals’ established starter.

It’s still just the first week of training camp and Conner has also seen a significant share of the first-team workload. Plus, this could merely be a matter of keeping Conner healthy. Still, it’s a development worth watching as camp progresses.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon was predictably coy on the subject before practice.

“They’re all competing to define their role,” Gannon said. “I think Trey’s gonna take a step. I do.”

Darius Robinson shows explosiveness

Entering training camp, the development of 2024 first-round pick Darius Robinson was a story to watch. So far, the returns have been encouraging.

Robinson repeatedly showcased his explosiveness on Day 3 of camp, particularly on bull rushes, using his strength to push back the offensive line. He also came up with a sack of Kyler Murray in 11-on-11 action.

After the Cardinals’ offseason moves, Robinson suddenly has a crowded room to contend with at the defensive line. The early indications, though, are that he’ll be able to find his spot as a key contributor in that group. He has gotten most of his work with the first team defense.

Mack Wilson calling the defense

Linebacker Mack Wilson has slid into Kyzir White’s vacated role as the defensive playcaller, operating as the middle — or ‘Mike’ — linebacker.

For Wilson, it’s a change both in where he plays on the field and in his communication responsibilities. He now wears the green dot, meaning he is responsible for taking playcalls from defensive coordinator Nick Rallis and communicating them to the rest of the defense.

Wilson’s transition leaves free agent addition Akeem Davis-Gaither as the Cardinals’ starting weakside — or ‘Will’ — linebacker for now, although fourth-round rookie Cody Simon did rotate in with the first team on Day 3 of camp.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Cardinals camp notes: Starling Thomas goes down with injury