Arizona Cardinals Underdog WR Making Noise

Preseason results may not matter, but what certainly does matter in the preseason is how your reserves play.

Arizona Cardinals WR Xavier Weaver may not be a starter, but he showed up and showed out against the Chiefs on Saturday night at State Farm Stadium.

The second-year wide receiver looked good and even scored a touchdown, giving him a great start to a preseason he hopes will earn him a spot on the 2025 regular-season roster.

Xavier Weaver Shines in Arizona Cardinals' Preseason Debut

Weaver’s final stat line featured two catches on four targets, totaling 14 yards and a touchdown. The numbers might not seem like an exceptional performance, but Weaver looked the part and showcased the added weight he put on in the offseason.

After having surgery ahead of his rookie season, Weaver was a slim 169 pounds during his first year in the NFL — and it showed. He only played in two games during the 2024 campaign, but in limited time, Weaver looked physically overmatched.

Weaver understood this and put on 16 pounds during the offseason. Marvin Harrison Jr.’s transformation was certainly impressive, but as far as added weight goes, Weaver has him beat.

"When I had (shoulder) surgery, I lost a lot of weight," the wide receiver said. "Knowing we play in a physical sport with a lot of grown men, I knew I had to put on weight. I really had no option, no choice."

His added weight was on full display Saturday, as Weaver became a key contributor in a Cardinals victory. He didn’t get into the ballgame until the second quarter, but on the final drive of the period he recorded both of his receptions and drew a key pass interference call.

"I feel (defensive backs) panicking sometimes when they’ve got to be in a certain spot," Weaver said. "With the speed we bring on offense, it definitely brings something different to the defense with different looks and stuff like that, so I definitely see certain people panic to try and get to a certain position."