GLENDALE — The communication and trust between quarterback Kyler Murray and wide receiver Zay Jones have reached another level this offseason and training camp.
There are two massive reasons why the two continue to link up more than they ever have in their tenure together.
“The trust is there. … He believes I can make the play and that’s been huge for me.”
The connection between Cardinals WR Zay Jones and QB Kyler Murray continues to grow this training camp. pic.twitter.com/7KjolDrM9D
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 5, 2025
“I think that’s really huge for any receiver that plays a game at any level,” Jones said Tuesday. “The trust that you have with your quarterback is a big piece. When he looks at me, he understands what he’s going to get. He believes I can make the play and that’s been huge for me.”
Wednesday’s action, which marked the final open camp practice of the year, was just another example of the duo’s growing relationship.
Again, Jones felt like a go-to option for Murray during both 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 work.
Kyler Murray and Zay Jones continue to link up during Cardinals training camp. This might be their best connection yet.
Also, that’s a catch. pic.twitter.com/qOANZSpLZn
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 6, 2025
It’s been a productive camp for the veteran pass catcher, who has done more than enough to earn the WR3 role behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson.
Jones has also done a lot of moving around, filling in as a WR1 and WR2 with both Harrison and Wilson dealing with their respective injuries.
A lot of talk late last season and into the offseason was about getting more out of Jones in 2025.
Right now, it’s certainly trending that way.
Michael Wilson back practicing
Speaking of Wilson, the wideout was back on the field, albeit in a yellow non-contact jersey, after being placed in concussion protocol last week.
Michael Wilson back practicing in the yellow non-contact jersey. pic.twitter.com/0D47pkeGwm
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 6, 2025
The wide receiver took part in individual work but sat out during team periods.
Seeing him back on the field is a good sign that he’s trending toward a return sooner than later.
The same might not be the case for offensive lineman Jon Gaines II, though.
The lineman, who is dealing with a thumb injury, was seen with his right hand in a cast. He did not participate during Wednesday’s work.
Wide receiver Simi Fehoko (quad) was also sidelined.
Tejhaun Palmer reeling in the deep balls
The Cardinals’ starting wide receivers appeared locked in behind Marvin Harrison Jr., Wilson and Jones.
The battles at the position don’t stop there, though, with the backend of the depth chart still up in the air.
Or is it?
Back-to-back days of Jacoby Brissett and Tejhaun Palmer connecting on the deep ball. pic.twitter.com/FAoC2YifBg
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 6, 2025
Connecting with quarterback Jacoby Brissett on deep balls in back-to-back practices, Tejhaun Palmer has slid in as the leader in the clubhouse to round out the room.
Hit on a couple more of those deep balls this preseason and that roster spot will be his.
Xavier Thomas gets an extended look
With Josh Sweat sticking to mainly individual work on Wednesday, Xavier Thomas got some added run with the first-team defense.
He, Jordan Burch, Zaven Collins and Baron Browning were the primary players rotating in on the edge.
In addition to getting more first-team snaps, Thomas also flashed his abilities during 1-on-1 work.
Cardinals pass rusher Xavier Thomas with the spin move during 1-on-1 work on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/4rcDugadNX
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 6, 2025
Now, it’s about doing it on a consistent basis this preseason.
You good, Calais?
There’s no denying Calais Campbell is up there in age (from a football standpoint).
Cardinals rookie cornerback Will Johnson makes sure to remind him of that on a daily basis.
“I feel like every time I’m breathing hard, he always comes up to me like, “You good?'” Campbell said Wednesday. “I just tell him I’m just trying to get in shape and push myself in practice so the game ain’t too hard.
“You could have came out any other time when I was good, but you come out there after like a five- or six-play drive and I’m hustling to the ball. It’s pretty funny, though. It’s like a running joke now.”