All-Access with Bruce Arians: Brown sits out, Starks adds depth, Abraham will be in camp ‘soon’

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 personal conversations he has with reporters following the morning walk-through:

“The only news on the injury report: John Brown will miss (Friday) with a tweaked hamstring he got late in practice the other day. We thought it would be better today, but we’re going to be cautious with it and make sure he’s ready to go next week. He may practice (Saturday), but he’s going to miss today.

“Other than that, we signed Max Starks, offensive tackle. Basically you give young players a chance, and if you don’t think they can do it, you go to veteran players to build depth. Max is a proven player in the league (and) is in fantastic condition. He will add good, quality depth and competition at that spot. He’s played left and right (tackle), and it’s a quality player. We’re always searching for guys who are still available who we think can add depth right now and build a roster that injuries won’t matter. So that’s really where we’re at right now. You want to give young players all the benefit of the doubt, but once you know that they can’t help you, it’s time to build depth on your roster.”

Compare and contrast the signing of Starks this year to that of Eric Winston last year

“Last year we were not sold we had a right tackle. Right now, I feel very confident in Bobby (Massie). He’s having a great camp. This is more of a swing: Eric could not swing; he was a right tackle only. Max has played left for a long time, (but) he started out at right. It’s just quality depth for us.”

What do you think of the job Tyrann Mathieu is doing on and off the field?

“He’s begging me to come off PUP, but he’s doing a great job of coaching Deone (Bucannon) out there and keeping himself mentally in it. I get the reports from what they’re doing outside, so he’s lighting it up out there.”

How proud of you are how Mathieu has changed his life?

“You can’t be prouder than a guy that asked for a chance and delivers on it. Understanding where he came from is very similar to where I came from, and you make decisions based on your family history. I’m always looking forward to giving guys second chances.”

Ted Ginn Jr. has flown under the radar, but seems to catch everything thrown to him

“Teddy’s had a great offseason. He’s having a good camp. You wonder why the guy hasn’t played more receiver — other than last year in Carolina. I saw him coming out; I really liked him. I’m really glad we have him. He’s a heck of a kid and he’s having a really good camp. He’s catching the ball extremely well.”

Are you where you’d like to be at this point in camp?

“I think right now we’re right on schedule. I’d hate to say we’re ahead of schedule; there are still some young players who I’d like to see grow, but that’s not going to happen until we go out against Houston. There will be a little bit this Saturday because the noise level will go up — the fans and everything. You want to see them: As the lights get brighter, do they shy away or do they shine? I’m anxious to see Saturday, but I’m really anxious to see next Saturday.”

Have you had contact with John Abraham, and do you expect him to show up eventually?

“Yeah, he’ll be here soon. Everything is fine.”

Can you define soon?

“Five or six days.”

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