Mike LaFleur leads Cardinals into Hall of Fame Game

Mike LaFleur will coach the Arizona Cardinals in their first game under his leadership, the NFL Hall of Fame Game against the Carolina Panthers. LaFleur arrived in Arizona after three seasons as offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams, a period that ran from 2023 through 2025. He brings a background shaped by mentors Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay, and he has introduced new practices during the Cardinals’ training camp as he attempts to build chemistry early. The team is using an extra week of camp and an additional preseason game to prepare for the Hall of Fame Game, while navigating quarterback uncertainty that includes a pending decision on Kyler Murray and the recent signing of Jacoby Brissett. The Hall of Fame Game serves as the first public test of LaFleur’s system and his ability to manage the roster amid ongoing personnel questions. His decisions on playing time, including disclosures about rookie Jeremiyah Love and the status of edge rusher Josh Sweat, will be closely watched as the Cardinals open their season against the Panthers.

LaFleur's first game as Cardinals head coach

Mike LaFleur will lead the Arizona Cardinals in their first game under his direction when they face the Carolina Panthers in the NFL Hall of Fame Game. The club has secured an extra week of training camp and an additional preseason matchup to build chemistry ahead of the preseason opener. Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love’s participation remains under discussion, according to reports. Carson Beck is slated to start at quarterback, while Jacoby Brissett is set to practice with the first team later in camp. Josh Sweat remains on the active/physically unable to perform list with a knee issue, though LaFleur said he is not concerned about Sweat’s availability for September 13. The Cardinals concluded the 2025 season with a running backs group that included Michael Carter, Bam Knight, Emari Demercado and Corey Kiner, while James Conner and Trey Benson finished the year on injured reserve. LaFleur expressed enthusiasm about the group and said the team can move on with football following the Jacoby Brissett deal.

LaFleur's coaching background and new role

Mike LaFleur arrives in Arizona with a strong offensive pedigree forged as the Los Angeles Rams' coordinator from 2023 to 2025. That role refined his philosophy under Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay. LaFleur becomes the Cardinals' first head coach since the Hall of Fame Game, a preseason matchup against the Panthers. His background includes coordination stops that emphasized creative passing concepts and balanced rushing attacks. The Cardinals are using an extra week of training camp to build chemistry ahead of the opener. LaFleur said he is not worried about Josh Sweat's availability for September 13, though Sweat remains on the active/physically unable to perform list. The team is also integrating Jacoby Brissett into the quarterback mix following his contract agreement.

Quarterback situation and roster moves

Jacoby Brissett is set to begin practicing with the first team after signing his deal. Mike LaFleur declined to rule out a preseason quarterback competition. The future of Kyler Murray remains unresolved. LaFleur said the team can move on with football now that Brissett’s contract is settled. Rookie Carson Beck will start the Hall of Fame Game against the Panthers. Michael Carter, Bam Knight, Emari Demercado and Corey Kiner formed the Cardinals’ running backs group in 2025. James Conner and Trey Benson finished the season on injured reserve. LaFleur expressed enthusiasm about the depth at running back. He also said he is not worried about Josh Sweat’s availability for the September 13 game. The Cardinals are using an extra week of camp and an additional preseason game to build chemistry before the Hall of Fame Game. According to reports, LaFleur introduced new practices during training camp as he establishes himself in Arizona.

Training camp developments and roster status

The Cardinals are using an extra week of training camp and an additional preseason game to build chemistry before the Hall of Fame Game, giving players more time to sync under head coach Mike LaFleur. Edge rusher Josh Sweat remains on the active/physically unable to perform list with a knee issue; LaFleur said he is not worried about Sweat's availability for September 13. Rookie Carson Beck is set to start against the Panthers in the preseason opener, while Jacoby Brissett is expected to begin practicing with the first team later in camp following his deal. LaFleur disclosed rookie Jeremiyah Love's playing status for the Hall of Fame Game but did not confirm his participation. The team also faces uncertainty at quarterback, including a pending decision on Kyler Murray's role.

Joint practices with Packers and roster outlook

Mike LaFleur’s Cardinals will stage joint practices with the Green Bay Packers as they finalize preparations for the NFL Hall of Fame Game. The sessions will pair the new Arizona head coach with his brother Matt, who leads the Packers, adding a personal dimension to the preseason build‑up. Both staffs will use the extra reps to fine‑tune schemes and evaluate players ahead of the preseason opener against the Panthers.

The Cardinals enter the game with a revamped running backs group that includes Michael Carter, Bam Knight, Emari Demercado and Corey Kiner, while James Conner and Trey Benson remain on injured reserve. Edge rusher Josh Sweat stays on the active/physically unable to perform list, though LaFleur said he is not worried about Sweat’s availability for the September 13 matchup. Rookie quarterback Carson Beck is expected to start, and Jacoby Brissett is set to practice with the first team after finalizing his contract; LaFleur declined to rule out a preseason quarterback competition. These elements shape the roster outlook as Arizona readies for its first game under LaFleur.

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