The Cardinals' injury-ravaged secondary is ready for reinforcements after turning Texans quarterbacks Brock Osweiler and Tom Savageinto preseason all-stars last week.
Two weeks after graduating from the physically unable to perform list to the active roster, 2015 All-Pro Tyrann Mathieu is preparing to start Arizona's season opener versus New England.
"I expect him to be out there full speed, ready to roll (against the Patriots)," coach Bruce Arians said Monday, via the team's official website.
On Friday, Arians strengthened his position on Mathieu, telling reporters he expects him to be on the field "for every single play."
Arians needs the NFL's most versatile defender back on the field after losing veteran cornerbacks Mike Jenkins and Alan Ball to an ACL tear and quadriceps injury, respectively.
After watching special teams ace Justin Bethel struggle with rust in his 2016 cornerback debut last week, Arians will likely turn to third-round rookie Brandon Williams outside with Mathieu in the slot.
Whereas Mathieu struggled to recover pre-injury form after a more severe 2013 knee reconstruction that included an additional LCL tear, his latest ACL tear was "clean." This year's rehab has gone smoothly, with Larry Fitzgerald noting that Mathieu "heals like Wolverine."
It's reasonable to believe, then, that the "Honey Badger" has a chance to work his way back to Pro Bowl form this season.
"I wouldn't bet against Ty," defensive coordinator James Bettcher warned this offseason. "Don't do it. You'll lose."
