TEMPE, Ariz. -- Carson Palmer's preparedness in leading the Arizona Cardinals through their first day of mini-camp wasn't surprising to head coach Bruce Arians.
The quarterback's performance on Tuesday did, however, mark a significant and visible first step since Palmer tore his ACL in November.
"I've been anxious since November 18," said Palmer, who underwent his second ACL surgery on his knee that day. "Last night was a long night, didn't sleep great, was just excited."
As expected, there was some rust in Palmer's first 11-on-11 action, but the Cardinals won't wait for him to take baby steps in his recovery. The quarterback who went 6-0 while healthy in 2014 is already playing full-speed ahead.
"The training wheels are off," Arians said. "He's ready to roll. He's been getting so many reps in slow-blitz drills and then 7-on-7s. He's really been practicing."
Arians said he believes Palmer missed one throw on the day, and he saw no hesitation in the quarterback with blitzes coming at him in the pad-less practice. Palmer looked aggressive throwing the ball downfield and cleanly threw quick outs and check-downs.
Palmer will wear a knee brace but won't be limited. In fact, the road ahead requires more repetition than rest. He's not fearful of moving in the pocket at this point, but he's still searching for the mix of balance and technique to make accurate throws.
"Having to move out of the way when a guy does come (into the backfield) and get back to balance, get back to platform and throw an accurate ball -- that's what I need continued reps at," Palmer said.
Added Arians: "Guys are in throwing lanes and you have to move your body just a little bit, not necessarily your feet, but just to get your eyes in the right place. He needs those reps and he wants those reps."
Of course, more reps means more risk, but such is life working back a player so influential and important to the Cardinals' success.
"I thought his movement in the pocket, there was no hesitation in him," Arians said, before adding, "I had some hesitation a couple times when I saw those guys fall down in front of him."
-- Second-year quarterback Logan Thomas didn't earn the best review from Arians, who called the Virginia Tech product a "work-in-progress. He makes some of those wild throws still and you scratch your head sometimes."
Asked if he thought Thomas would be further along at this point in his career, Arians said, "I was hoping so."
-- What stood out during what Arians said was a well-run practice? Team speed.
"I saw Patrick (Peterson) grab a punt and just outflank everybody real quick. I had to check who was on that punt team real fast, make sure there weren't any starters," Arians said.
Arians said Peterson could always be in consideration to take over return duties after focusing solely on cornerback last year.
Receiver Michael Floyd didn't participate in Tuesday mini-camp because of a tweaked hamstring.
"He's got a slight hamstring tweak and I'm not going to risk it," Arians said. "He had too great of OTAs to risk it today."
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