All-Access with Arians: Dockett to have surgery, Mathieu and Ta’amu back

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Head coach Bruce Arians, now in his second year with the Arizona Cardinals, meets the media each day during training camp.

Here, in this space, we’ll highlight many of the key topics and personnel conversations he has with reporters following the morning walk-through:

“Obviously injury-front wise, you start with Darnell (Dockett). He’s getting surgery as soon as we can possibly get it done and then get him back here rehabbing. He’s obviously done for the season, but I plan on having him on the sidelines with us all year long because of his spirit and leadership. It’s something we need and don’t want to lose.

“Other people that will miss practice today: (Kevin) Minter still with a pec, (Max) Starks with an ankle and (Jonathan) Cooper with a toe. Everybody else is back, ready to roll, so we’re full-speed ahead.”

Can you reflect on Dockett missing just two games in 10 seasons

“That’s an unbelievable record. He’s never been hurt before in his entire career. That’s an amazing feat. It just shows how hard he trains and keeps himself in top, physical condition all the time. It was unfortunate, one of those non-contact deals. You just put your foot in the ground and it’s all over.”

Tyrann Mathieu and Alameda Ta’amu are off the physically unable to perform list

“We’ll keep them in individual drills for a day or two; see how they respond to that and gradually up their snaps in team drills.”

How likely is it that those two players will be ready to play Week 1

“I think it’s up to them. We’ll see how their progress is. They’ve amazed me so far to get to this point, so I wouldn’t be amazed if they were playing on Monday night (against San Diego).”

How important is Ta’amu given injury to Dockett

“He brings a big presence. He played extremely well (last year). He’s hard to move out of the middle. If he gets back to his quickness —- his weight is way down. He’s done a tremendous job. It’s amazing for a man that big to recover that fast. I’m anxious to see him. He and Lyle (Sendlein) have been pushing on each other pretty hard the last couple of days to get back and see how they were. They both responded pretty well.”

How much do you pick the brain of assistant head coach/offense Tom Moore

“Tom’s my guy. Head coaches don’t usually have anybody they can let all of their frustrations out on. Tom has got all that experience, so I lean on him heavily, mostly at about 10 or 11 at night.”

Asked about the league’s changes to the practice squad

“I was shocked to see who was eligible. I told Mike Floyd, ‘you’re lucky, you’re practice squad eligible now. You might want to get out of the training room.’ Jokingly obviously. It changes a lot of when you start looking through that waiver wire, who is going to be available, who is on your ballclub now that is practice squad eligible. I think it’s a great rule.”

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