:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/16901945/20130725_130459_1_.0.jpg)
This is my third time covering training camp, the second year as media and the first time at the yearly conditioning test that kicks off camp for the Arizona Cardinals. And so it began on Thursday for the Arizona Cardinals.
Almost 90 players lined up across the field at University of Phoenix Stadium and ran back and forth to shonsw that they are in good enough shape for camp.
There were a few players absent. Rookie Jonathan Cooper, who has not yet signed with the team, was one. Rookie Ryan Swope was also absent. Eric Winston and John Abraham, both of whom reportedly signed their contracts with Arizona, have not had their deals announced by the team, thus they were not there either.
However, after the two runs, it was cut short, as head coach Bruce Arians said that he was "extremely pleased" and "saw everything [he] wanted to" from the players.
In the two runs, I could not tell who was in the very front, but rookie Tyrann Mathieu was right there at the front of the pack, while in the second, it was tight end Rob Housler that led the pack.
Defensive tackle Dan Williams was the last to finish in the second of the two runs everyone did, but according to Arians.
"I judged the running test on him," said Arians. "He hit his number; I said that's enough." Williams came into camp at the weight he was expected to and the team has more in store for him (more on that coming later).
The first day of camp is done. Everyone who ran the test passed. Now, after another practice tomorrow in shorts, the pads go on and the real fun begins.
More from Revenge of the Birds:
- 2013 Arizona Cardinals training camp: Possibilities for offensive line with Eric Winston
- Larry Fitzgerald excited for new season, talks up young receivers in camp
- A statistical look at Bruce Arians-led offenses
- 2013 Arizona Cardinals training camp: The key positional battles
- Arizona Cardinals 2013 training camp preview: The podcast
Keep up with Cardinals news and opinions when you are not on the site. Follow Revenge of the Birds on Twitter at @revengeofbirds and "like" us on Facebook. You can follow me individually at @senorjessroot.