Patrick Peterson back at practice with Arizona Cardinals Wednesday

TEMPE, Ariz. — When Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson appeared to take the brunt of a Deone Bucannon hit in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Eagles, the worst was feared.

“I was kind of worried when I woke up because then I was like, ‘Ahh man, I was knocked out for a second,'” Peterson said Wednesday before the Cardinals took the practice field. “But at the moment, you’re out there playing football, you don’t play for those moments.”

Peterson was down on the ground for a while before finally getting up and walking off the field toward the locker room. He admitted it was a scare for him, echoing the sentiments felt by his fans, family and teammates.

He did not return to the game and was left to go through the NFL’s concussion protocol before he would get back on the field. Head coach Bruce Arians expressed optimism over the cornerback’s condition Monday, saying Peterson was acting like his usual self at that point, and Wednesday the coach announced that three-time Pro Bowler was “cleared and ready to roll.”

That’s music to Bucannon’s ears. The rookie, who said his excitement over making a big hit on Maclin dissipated when he saw what happened to his teammate, could not be happier with how things ultimately turned out.

“I felt really bad, the whole time he was out, the whole rest of the game I was feeling it, it was in the back of my mind,” he said. “Because I know how important he is to us and this team and no matter, I wouldn’t want to take this game that I love from anybody else.

“Like I said, I’m fortunate that he’s OK.”

Peterson said he will now be wearing a newer helmet with the latest technology, but all in all it seems as though crisis has been averted as he was back on the field practicing and getting ready for the Dallas Cowboys.

“I’m definitely counting my blessings that I am OK, it wasn’t something serious and something that could hold me back a couple of games,” he said.

Follow @theAdamGreen