All-Access with Bruce Arians: Baker, Bethea are full-speed and ready to go

TEMPE, Ariz. – Head coach Bruce Arians, now in his fifth year with the Arizona Cardinals, meets the media several times leading up to gameday.

Here, in this space, with help from the Cardinals’ media relations staff, we’ll highlight many of the key topics and personnel conversations he has with reporters following practice.

Opening statement:

“Um, before I get into football, I want to send prayers and wishes to Senator (John) McCain. Great man. Arizona needs him and just hope he gets well soon. I know he’s in a hell of a fight, and we’re praying for him.

“Out for this game: John Brown, Gabe Martin—Adrian Peterson will be going on IR—Earl Watford. The rest of the guys pretty much are gametime decisions. Jermaine Gresham has been fighting a flu all week so we’ll see how we can get him better before the weekend. Other than that, it’s off to D.C. and get ready to play.”

What has that relationship with Sen. McCain meant to you?

“Just a great man. I mean what he’s done for this state and our country. Gotten to get to know him and know that he’s giving it a hell of a fight and hope he’s going to whip it.”

How have your two safeties — Budda Baker and Antoine Bethea — progressed this week?

“They practiced. They’re fine. They’re full-speed, ready to go.”

Corey Peters looks good?

“Yeah, he’s fine.”

With all the moving parts on the offensive line, how have they looked this week?

“Well, we’ll find out. It’s tough. It’s easy in practice. It’s not the speed of a game going against the guys they’re going to go against. They’ve got their hands full for this one.”

Blaine Gabbert has been hit a lot the past two weeks. Do you change anything as a play-caller this week?

“No. Again, we have to run the ball and protect him with that, for sure.”

What are the odds that Khalif Barnes, the new offensive lineman, will be active this week?

“Oh, a hundred percent.”

Have you been impressed by the team’s resilience since losing Carson Palmer?

“No doubt. We got a great locker room and (general manager) Steve (Keim) has got us a good roster. They show up and play ever week. Do we play perfect every week? No, but we play hard.”

Do you take anything from the past two meetings with Kirk Cousins?

“We’ve played him a few times now and he’s got totally different weapons. So, knowing that we’ve played him, yeah, you can take a little bit.”

How do you feel about Peterson’s season being over?

“I feel bad. He came in, he was doing such a great for us. I feel bad but I also feel good because it could’ve been worse.”

Do you think he could be on this team next year?

“Oh, there’s no doubt. There’s no doubt. He’ll heal fine.”

What about getting him enough carries between he and David Johnson?

“That football ain’t heavy. David, he’s learned his lesson. He doesn’t need it every play.”

Can you see a scenario when you have both Johnson and Peterson on the field at the same time?

“David is so flexible. I mean I don’t even think about next year. I got too many problems with Washington this week right now.”

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