GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Cardinals coach Bruce Arians spoke to the media Monday morning. Here’s a quick recap of what he had to say:
Arians said he hopes veteran outside linebacker John Abraham reports to training camp next week but he's not worried about all the time Abraham's missed: "If he was 26, yeah, but 36, no. It's probably doing him good."
Rookie wide receiver John Brown will miss Monday’s closed practice because he’s “not quite ready yet.” Arians said Brown’s hamstring is a little tender. Brown will go through run tests outside University of Phoenix Stadium on Monday to determine if he’ll practice Tuesday. Arians doesn’t want Brown’s hamstring to linger and cause anymore setbacks.
Following Saturday’s Fan Fest practice, Arians was impressed with defensive tackle Bruce Gaston, tight end Darren Fells and running backs Robert Hughes and Jonathan Dwyer.
Arians hopes Monday’s practice, without a crowd because it’s closed, will be as “lively” as Saturday’s practice, which attracted 23,000 fans.
Arians will continue to give guard Earl Watford snaps with the first team.
Arians said left guard Jonathan Cooper responded “appropriately” to being called out Saturday morning.
The Cardinals will wear full pads Monday and Tuesday and then pads with shorts on Wednesday and Thursday in advance of their preseason game with Houston on Saturday.
Arians said the starters will play as many as 15 snaps against Houston. If they have a solid drive that lasts six or seven plays, Arians said that could likely be it for the offense.
Rookie quarterback Logan Thomas will play most of the fourth quarter against Houston and Ryan Lindley will get the same treatment next week at Minnesota.
Arians said linebacker Ernie Sims will return to practice and nose tackle Dan Williams will practice more than he has been recently.
Arians said he’ll likely keep four tight ends. Keeping five would mean “you’d have to be a heck of a special-teams player.”
