TEMPE — Arizona Cardinals safety Dadrion “Rabbit” Taylor-Demerson is like many hungry rookies and backups trying to make a name for themselves in the league.
The safety’s constantly working on his craft and waiting for the opportunity to make a bigger impact like a Budda Baker or Jalen Thompson.
Against veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets, Rabbit might just get that chance.
Thompson is trending the wrong way after popping up on the Cardinals’ injury report due to a surprise ankle injury that kept him out of practice on Friday. He was limited the day prior and is officially listed as questionable for Week 10.
Rabbit (aka Dadrion Taylor-Demerson) could be in line for extended snaps in Week 10 if Jalen Thompson can’t go (or isn’t 100%) on Sunday.
The veteran popped up on Arizona’s injury report with an ankle issue yesterday and was not practicing during the open portion this morning. pic.twitter.com/2JHktUtfY5
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) November 8, 2024
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If Thompson can’t go on Sunday, that would leave Taylor-Demerson and special teams ace Joey Blunt as the only other safeties alongside Baker currently on the 53-man roster.
Even if Thompson can play on Sunday, Taylor-Demerson is gearing up for added work this week.
“It’s definitely exciting but at the same time, every single week, I prepare just as much as Budda and JT do to be on the field. Unfortunately, this is one of the scenarios. Honestly, it’s me just going and doing my job,” Taylor-Demerson said.
“I’m here for a reason, come in and be the next guy up and now it’s the next-guy moment. With JT gone, just (going to do my job) so there’s no drop off and the team can continue to build on what we want to be.”
Biggest learning moment of Rabbit’s NFL career
After getting a consistent workload this past preseason, it’s been anything but for the rookie.
Here’s a look at his defensive snap counts and playing percentage through nine weeks to give you a better idea:
Week 1: 0 (0%)
Week 2: 8 (15%)
Week 3: 2 (3%)
Week 4: 2 (3%)
Week 5: 22 (34%)
Week 6: 0 (0%)
Week 7: 2 (3%)
Week 8: 6 (9%)
Week 9: 10 (14%)
Only twice this season has Taylor-Demerson seen at least 10 defensive snaps in a game. Most of the time, it’s been two snaps or fewer.
That’s not to say he hasn’t been utilized on special teams behind 155 snaps (69%), but when it comes to defense, Rabbit has been used sparingly.
Despite the low usage defensively — which has resulted in seven tackles and two passes defensed for the rookie — Taylor-Demerson kept his head down and is seeing the positives from having that mentality.
“This has been the biggest learning moment for ball in my life,” he said. “I came in and knew a lot of ball, but being around Budda and JT and all the rest of the guys in the room, I’ve actually gotten to learn a lot.
“I’m actually kind of happy it happened this way. My journey’s different from everybody’s journey. … My opportunity is going to be this weekend. I’m blessed to have it and do my job so we can get a win.”
You know what else is different? The rookie’s pregame meal. But that’s another story.