GLENDALE, Ariz. – Free safety Rashad Johnson suffered mild ankle and MCL sprains in Monday’s practice, making his availability for Saturday’s game against the Cowboys unlikely.
Johnson’s absence is Tyrann Mathieu’s opportunity. Coach Bruce Arians said Tuesday that Mathieu will start at free safety in Johnson’s absence.
“I wish Rashad a speedy recovery,” Mathieu said. “He was one of those guys who pretty much showed me the ropes… but this is my opportunity to go out there.”
Mathieu continues to impress the coaching staff in camp and had a solid preseason debut against the Packers with a sack, a pass breakup and punt return that he nearly broke for a TD. Mathieu shrugged when asked how a guy his size is making such an impact.
“I don’t there’s any science to it,” he said. “Physical characteristics play their part in certain situations, but for the most part it’s all about making plays and being in the right spot at the right time.”
Cornerback Jamell Fleming is working his way back from a hamstring injury, but there is urgency in that recovery whether he likes it or not.
Arians noted on Monday how much depth and competition there is for the spot opposite Patrick Peterson, as well as nickel and dime situations. Jerraud Powers is the presumed starter opposite Peterson and veteran Antoine Cason figures in the mix, but Arians also noted that Justin Bethel and Bryan McCann have played well, along with Javier Arenas
“It makes you want to get out there a lot faster,” said Fleming, the Cardinals’ third-round selection 2012 (80th overall) out of Oklahoma. “But I have to be patient with my injury. I can’t get injured again, because that would be worse.”
Fleming made an impression in camp last season with his aggressive play, but his performance fell off as the season progressed. With a new coaching staff, there is little loyalty to high draft picks form a previous regime.
“Mentally, I feel like I’ve gotten a lot better, just knowing the playbook and learning this game, but that’s really what I’m still trying to work on,” said Fleming, who does not express concern that he is behind the other players due to his absence. “You’re in the league because of your ability. I just have to do my best and take care of my own and it will work out.”
Arians said inside linebacker Daryl Washington was on his way back from New York on Tuesday after meeting with NFL officials (not commissioner Roger Goodell) in hopes of reducing or eliminating his four-game suspension for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
“Whether or not anything comes of it, we’ll see,” Arians said.
Despite the fact that Washington is still slated to miss those four games, Arians said he has liked what he’s seen from Washington.
“Daryl’s been playing lights out – probably the second-most dynamic player in practice to Tyrann,” Arians said. “His rare athleticism and speed sets him apart. He’s been practicing really hard, got a smile on his face and doing everything we’re asking of him. He knows where he stands.”
The following players missed Tuesday's practice: NT Dan Williams (ankle), LB Karlos Dansby (hamstring), S Rashad Johnson (knee/ankle), DE Frostee Rucker (unknown), RB Ryan Williams (knee), TE Jeff King (knee), S Jonathon Amaya (knee), TE Kory Sperry (ankle), DT Ricky Lumpkin (ankle) and LB Dan Giordano (PUP - toe).
RB Andre Ellington (neck) took limited snaps.
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