Mike LaFleur ‘not worried about Josh Sweat at all’ despite minicamp nonparticipation

TEMPE — Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett not participating during Tuesday’s minicamp practice was expected given ongoing contract negotiations.

But pass rusher Josh Sweat also taking the day off from field activity undoubtedly raised eyebrows.

 

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Similar to Brissett, Sweat returned to the Tempe practice fields after remaining away throughout voluntary offseason work.

But unlike Brissett, Sweat is already being paid as the starter at his position after inking a hefty free-agent deal last offseason.

So, what gives?

“If Josh could, he would right now,” head coach Mike LaFleur said. “He’s in a good spot. He looks good, looks really good. I had a good conversation with him. I’m not worried about Josh Sweat at all.”

“It’s not injury related. He hasn’t been here,” the head coach added. “When guys get here in Phase 1 on Day 1, we don’t practice. Why am I going to do that to another guy? That seems negligent on my part.”

LaFleur did not go further into Sweat’s nonparticipation on Tuesday but reiterated that the pass rusher has always had his own offseason program.

Having a ramp-up process and not wanting to throw someone into the fire on Day 1 is totally understandable. And rushing someone back in the middle of the offseason with no games in sight makes little sense.

But given the trade chatter — which was only shot down recently — that had followed the pass rusher this offseason, plus the firing of former head coach Jonathan Gannon and Sweat’s prior absences, what he did on the field this week was going to be something to watch.

Regardless of the noise, Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. doesn’t sound like a guy bracing for a Sweat departure anytime soon.

“I love Sweaty. I was so excited to see him today. He’s a big part of what we trying to build here. Big part of this defense,” Wilson said.

“Great dude, great energy. I missed him this whole offseason, honestly. Having him back today was super dope, super dope.”

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