GLENDALE — It had “been a minute” since Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Xavier Weaver last tasted the end zone.
About 666 days (unfortunate coincidence) or 959,040 minutes, but who’s keeping track?
That all changed Saturday, though, with Weaver finding paydirt in Arizona’s preseason-opening win over Kansas City.
It was a long time coming for the second-year pro looking to carve out a larger role in 2025.
“It’s been a minute since I seen that end zone, so it definitely felt good,” Weaver said Monday.
“I’ll say it’s a blessing. I’m real confident regardless, but I just feel like it’s a blessing to finally feel the end zone,” the wide receiver added. “I feel like I ain’t seen it for two years.”
While the touchdown was the highlight of Weaver’s night, his usage in Arizona’s two-minute drill was promising.
After snagging a 13-yard reception early on in the drive, Weaver also drew a 24-yard pass interference call that helped flip the field for the offense.
With seven seconds left to go in the first half, Weaver capped off the series with the one-yard touchdown.
Jacoby Brissett with dart to Xavier Weaver for the @AZCardinals TD right before the half!
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/wo12foETsd
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2025
“It was cool. (Quarterback Jacoby Brissett) being able to trust in me with stuff we’ve been working out in practice,” Weaver said Monday.
“Just seeing him trust me down that whole two-minute drive in a big part of the game, was real cool.”
Weaver has been a name to watch this training camp as he tries to lock down a roster spot.
Taking the necessary steps forward this offseason, the wide receiver was in the mix for WR3 this camp alongside Zay Jones and Greg Dortch.
And while Jones has a lock on the job following a strong training camp, Weaver gives the Cardinals another speedy option to consider in the back half of the wide receivers room.
Every offense needs explosives. Weaver has the traits to help in that department, especially after bulking up this offseason.
Now, it’s about putting it all together and executing “at the point of attack” and winning 1-on-1s.
“He can get open, he can catch it. It’s going to be when there’s color on color, do you make (the play)? That’s what I’m looking for from him,” head coach Jonathan Gannon said during training camp.
Weaver doesn’t disagree, understanding “when the ball is in there, make a play.”
Saturday’s showing was a good example of Weaver taking that next step after seeing just two targets come his way as a rookie.
Now, can he stack games and leave no doubt about his Year 2 jump?