Arizona Cardinals: Honey Badger is back

Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu returned to the field on Sunday afternoon

When Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu, a.k.a. Honey Badger, returned to University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, this time he was allowed to walk a little further than the sidelines. On Sunday, he returned to participate in practice.

As the Cardinals returned to practice for the first time since their 19-3 loss to the San Diego Chargers on Friday night in San Diego, Mathieu joined them for individual practices.  He isn’t full tilt yet but it was nice to see him wearing the uniform once again.

Just from a mental standpoint it has to be great from both Mathieu’s standpoint and the team’s standpoint to see him back out there practicing.  There are still three weeks to go before the first regular season game, so there is plenty of time to slowly work him in.

Mathieu wasn’t the only player who returned for the first time this season on Sunday afternoon. Defensive tackle Frostee Rucker and cornerback Justin Bethel also suited up for the first time this training camp.  We’ll see how the week goes but as of right now I would not expect any of the three to play in the Cardinals next preseason game next Sunday at the Houston Texans. 

Head coach Bruce Arians also said that rookie defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche is close to returning to practice as well.  He injured his foot on the first day of camp when rookie reported.

It appears from his own account, Mathieu handled practice well.  It will be interesting to see how the remainder of his first week back goes.  Welcome back Honey Badger!