Chris Johnson, Sean Weatherspoon to play vs. Broncos, Jermaine Gresham out

When the Arizona Cardinals close out their preseason slate in Denver on Thursdays, most of the team's veterans will not suit up, as head coach Bruce Arians has already said no starters will play. That technically isn't the case. There will be at least two veteran players who will suit up and play for Arizona on Thursday, one who is considered a starter. Running back Chris Johnson and linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, who have been sidelined with hamstring injuries, will play against the Broncos, according to AZCardinals.com.

On Monday, Weatherspoon seemed to discount his playing, but did not practice once with pads on during training camp. The knock on him is his durability and that concern still lingers. Arians is not one to like when players don't practice in camp and don't play in the preseason. But the inside linebacker position is thin enough that he will still be fine for the final roster.

Arians indicated he will have to watch how long Weatherspoon is on the field for defensive possessions, as fatigue could set him back again.

Johnson, though, needs to play, as his roster spot is anything but secure.

Arians said he wants to get Johnson 10-12 carries. One would imagine those would happen early in the game.

Tight end Jermaine Gresham, who also has yet to see preseason action, will not travel to Denver for the preseason finale. He also has a hamstring issue.