Cardinals Bench Starting CB Marco Wilson

The Arizona Cardinals demoted Marco Wilson as starting corner.

ARIZONA -- The Arizona Cardinals announced their defensive starters ahead of Week 12's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. 

Three corners were announced as starters when running onto the field - none of which were Marco Wilson. 

Rather, Garrett Williams, Kei'Trel Clark and Starling Thomas were individually introduced with the starters. 

No Marco Wilson starting for the #AZCardinals

Kei'Trel Clark, Garrett Williams and Starling Thomas announced as starters

— Donnie Druin (@DonnieDruin) November 26, 2023

It's been a rough year for Wilson, who had a golden opportunity to emerge as Arizona's CB1 after Byron Murphy departed in free agency. Many were confident Wilson could fill those shoes, though he's largely been a liability in coverage this season. 

Earlier this week, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon offered the following on Wilson:

“I think just like everybody, it’s never about one guy. I am sure he wants some plays back, but he did some good things earlier in the game. Then I think just as the game went on, there was just a little bit of technique issues for Marco, which he’s got to continue to clean up just like all of our guys. You guys know that’s a hard position and we put them in some hard downs. That’s why the corner position is what it is, but he battles in there, he keeps his head up and he goes to work.”

Over the last four weeks, Wilson has seen his playing time decrease with each game. 

Week 8: 91% snaps
Week 9: 82% snaps
Week 10: 76% snaps
Week 11: 75% snaps 

In last week's loss against the Houston Texans, Wilson posted a PFF grade of 31.8 in coverage this past week and his season grade of 40.0 ranked 110th out of 115 graded corners by Pro Football Focus.

The Cardinals are just 2-9 on the season. Wilson has defended just one pass since Week 3.