The Arizona Cardinals held their first practice of voluntary OTAs, the third and final phase of the offseason program. Players are not required to be there, so when players are absent, it shouldn’t be viewed too negatively. Players not on the field are sometimes in the training room rehabbing injuries. Some have personal things to attend. Sometimes, they choose not to participate while in contract talks or when they have a contract dispute.
At the first day of OTAs, the Cardinals had good attendance, but not everyone was present.
AZCentral’s Theo Mackie tracked the players who were not working on the field or on the side on Monday.
One player, tight end Tip Reiman, was on the side in street clothes. He is coming off a serious ankle injury.
These were the players not present:
- QB Jacoby Brissett
- RB Trey Benson
- OL Christian Jones
- DL L.J. Collier
- DL Walter Nolen
- EDGE Baron Browning
- EDGE Josh Sweat
- LB Karson Sharar
- CB Garrett Williams
Brissett’s absence is contract-related. He wants more money.
Sweat didn’t attend some of last year’s voluntary work, but he is also familiar with the defense. Benson, Nolen and Williams all are coming off injuries.
Sharar, a rookie, likely is dealing with something. The absence of Jones, Browning and Collier aren’t known.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals had a few absences from OTAs