Broncos, Cardinals Bench Starters for Saturday Preseason Matchup

The Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos will keep their first-team players on the sideline for Saturday’s preseason game in Denver, coaches Sean Payton and Jonathan Gannon confirmed after a joint practice on Thursday. Payton said none of his starters will dress, while Gannon indicated Arizona’s regulars are also expected to sit, suggesting the Cardinals may not play their top line-up until the regular-season opener against the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 7. Rookie defensive tackle Walter Nolen, the Cardinals’ first-round pick, continues to recover from a mid-July calf injury. Gannon said Nolen is “progressing right where he should be,” although the club has not provided a timetable for his return. Both teams emerged from the joint session without significant new injuries, though Arizona held out defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson because of a minor knee issue.