Cardinals monitoring workloads of receivers, defensive backs

Cardinals coaches are paying closer attention this to the workload of receivers and defensive backs during spring and summer practices, hoping it results in fewer injuries in 2015.

Last year, those players wore devices that recorded the distances they ran during practices. But there were no parameters in place for reducing repetitions if players hit a benchmark.

This year, there is.

It marks a change of mind for coach Bruce Arians, who was convinced by strength and conditioning Buddy Morris.

"Last year, I thought we overworked them," Arians said on Tuesday. "There are times when we got into OTAs (organized team activities) seven and eight there was some fatigue factor.

"We don't want any soft-tissue injuries because of fatigue."

Receiver Larry Fitzgerald said Arians is "embracing the technology available to us nowadays.

"He understands more than most the delicate balance between too much (work) and not enough," Fitzgerald said. "I believe his goal is for us to be fresh in December, January and, hopefully, February."

Waiting to be promoted

During team practice sessions on Tuesday, the Cardinals split in two. Rookies and other inexperienced players practiced on one field, with veterans on the other.

Arians has structured OTA practices that way for all players to get more work, and as an incentive for younger players.

"They (rookies) haven't done anything to deserve to be on the other field," Arians said. "You earn those rights. Some of them by the end of camp will probably get a look."

The rights to right tackle

The starting right tackle job belongs to incumbent Bobby Massie, not first-round pick D.J. Humphries. Arians emphasized that on Tuesday, as Humphries practiced with the third team, behind Massie and Tavon Rooks.

"It's his (Massie's) job to lose," Arians said. "It's not D.J.'s job. D.J.'s got to do a hell of a lot to ever get that job."

Shaugnessy makes position change

Matt Shaughnessy, who started 19 games at outside linebacker the past two seasons, has been moved to defensive end.

At 285 pounds, Shaughnessy fits better at end than linebacker, Arians said.

"He had to really struggle to keep his weight down," Arians said. "We can always stand him up in run defense if we want to do that. He gives us such great position flexibility."

Scoring changes

During their meeting this week, NFL owners are considering changes to point-after-touchdown attempts. Arians is in favor of moving the extra-point kick back to the 15-yard line and allowing two-point conversion attempts from 11/ 2 yards away, rather than the 1 or the 2-yard lines, which have been proposed.

"Because if you put the ball at the 1, you'll see a lot of option (plays)," Arians said. "To stop the option for one yard is going to be really tough. From the 1½ , I think you'll see more throws. Bringing it out to the 2, I think you'll see more kicks."

Missing time

Four of the 90 players on the roster didn't practice on Tuesday. All are rookies.

Inside linebacker Alani Fua (foot) and outside linebackers Shaq Riddick (hamstring) and Zack Wagenmann (foot) missed because of injuries.

Receiver Jaxon Shipley was finishing classes at Texas and was expected to arrive Tuesday afternoon.

Extra points

The Cardinals don't have much experience at tight end, but they have size. Three tight ends — Troy Niklas, Darren Fells and Ifeanyi Momah — are at least 6-feet-6-inches.

"Damn, they're tall," Arians said. "They look pretty getting off the bus."

•Running back Andre Ellington participated fully in Tuesday's practice, even though he rode the stationary bike for a time, usually reserved for injured players.

"He likes being on that bicycle too much," Arians said.