Cardinals report to first practice under first year head coach Mike LaFleur

Cardinals open training camp with quarterback questions, new faces and fresh expectations

GLENDALE, Ariz. (KYMA) — The Arizona Cardinals officially kicked off practice Thursday afternoon at State Farm Stadium, becoming one of the first NFL teams to fully report as preparations begin for the 2026 season.

With less than 50 days remaining until the start of the regular season, one of the biggest storylines centered around veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett.

Although Brissett participated in individual drills and remained on the field after practice for additional work with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., he did not take team reps during the Cardinals' first practice. Instead, veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew handled the first-team offense.

Brissett's absence from team periods comes as questions surrounding his contract situation continue. Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Carson Beck, the Cardinals' recent draft selection, worked behind the veteran quarterbacks as he begins his first NFL training camp.

The Cardinals also got an early look at rookie running back Jeremiah Love, whose arrival has generated plenty of excitement after a standout collegiate career at Notre Dame.

Love spent the opening practice adjusting to the speed of the professional game, though the absence of pads made it difficult to fully evaluate the rookie. Arizona's running back room features significant depth with veteran James Conner returning from a foot injury and offseason addition Tyler Allgeier joining the rotation, giving the Cardinals multiple options in the backfield.

New head coach Mike LaFleur emphasized that the focus remains on steady improvement rather than immediate results.

"It's just about building it one day at a time and seeing how good we can be every single day," LaFleur said. "Like I told them yesterday, we don't need to peak on July 23. We need to get better on July 23. We need to compete against each other on July 23."

Veteran safety Budda Baker echoed that message as he enters his 10th NFL season.

"Definitely excited to get out and see the offense for who they are, for them to see us for who we are and to get each other better and be ready when the time comes," Baker said.

LaFleur, who is entering his first season as Arizona's head coach, also appears to be bringing concepts from coaching mentors Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan, including a structured practice format designed to maximize player development throughout training camp.

While the Cardinals still have several roster battles and unanswered questions to sort through before Week 1, the opening day of camp provided the first glimpse of a team looking to establish its identity under a new coaching staff.

Arizona will continue training camp in Glendale as players compete for roster spots and prepare for the preseason.