TEMPE, Ariz. -- Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians thought he’d have a healthy Tyrann Mathieu back in the secondary rotation by now, five weeks after the player suffered a shoulder subluxation at Carolina in Week 8.
Mathieu got close, playing two weeks ago in Atlanta. But after reinjuring the shoulder the following week, Mathieu missed Sunday’s game against Washington. He missed Wednesday’s practice, putting his status for Sunday’s game at Miami in question.
Was Arians surprised Mathieu is still dealing with the shoulder injury?
“Yes,” Arians said Wednesday.
Arians didn’t appear too optimistic that he’d have the Honey Badger back soon. “Your guess is as good as mine,” Arians said. “(His) range of motion is a little bit of a problem right now. But strength is coming back.”
Mathieu was one of four Cardinals to sit out practice Wednesday because of injury.
Wide receiver John Brown (illness) worked on a side field with a trainer. Arians said the Cardinals will increase his reps Thursday and Friday, as they did last week. “He should be ready to go on Sunday,” Arians said.
Linebacker Markus Golden (hamstring) and cornerback Tharold Simon (ankle) also did not practice. Quarterback Carson Palmer, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and defensive tackle Frostee Rucker all had a veteran day off. Cornerback Justin Bethel (foot/knee), defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (elbow), defensive tackle Corey Peters (foot) and cornerback Patrick Peterson (knee) were all limited.
“Should get some of them back tomorrow,” Arians said.
