All-Pro defensive back Tyrann Mathieu is expected to be available for the Arizona Cardinals when they do battle with the New England Patriots in the season opener of Sunday Night Football.
The same can't be said of speedy wide receiver John Brown, who is still suffering recurring headaches from a July 31 concussion.
Although Brown returned to practice last week, he's not prepared to declare himself ready for Week 1.
"I'm just taking it one day at a time," Brown said Monday, via The Arizona Republic. "My focus right now is just being able to practice, just being able to get through a full practice."
Brown noted that this is his first career concussion, and he felt "fine" after Monday's practice.
Coach Bruce Arians continues to take a cautious approach with the third-year wideout.
"I've been concerned the whole time," Arians explained, via the team's official website. "You hate to see them linger this long, because you don't really know what's causing them, whether it was the concussion, or if it's medicine, weather, whatever it is. He's had two headache-free days, so hopefully we can exercise and have a headache free day."
Brown is one of the sport's bright, young talents at wide receiver. If he fails to earn the green light for the season opener, though, the Cardinals can turn to J.J. Nelson and Jaron Brown.
Arguably the NFL's fastest player, Nelson earned high praise from Arians this offseason as a "dynamic," "unique" and "special" talent.
Carson Palmer told the FOX broadcasting team last week that Jaron Brown's camp has been as impressive as any player he's ever seen during his 13-year career.
With or without John Brown in early September, the Cardinals are fortunate to have the NFL's deepest wide receiver corps.
