Notes from the Nest: Arizona Cardinals training camp – Aug. 10

The Arizona Cardinals got back on the field after a day off Sunday to resume their training camp.

Aug 10, 2015, 6:58 PM

Receiver Larry Fitzgerald makes a catch while cornerback Justin Bethel covers during Arizona Cardinals training camp Aug. 10. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports)

(Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports)

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Arizona Cardinals got back on the field after a day off Sunday to resume their training camp, as well as begin preparing for their first preseason game this coming Saturday.

The Good

Larry Fitzgerald’s foot appeared fine, as he was a full participant in practice after having a light couple of days over the weekend.

Andre Ellington returned to practice, at least in a cursory role. It was his first time practicing since Aug. 2, as he had been out with a hamstring injury. He did not participate in 11-on-11 work, however.

If you like defense, Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu each picked off quarterback Carson Palmer on consecutive plays during red zone work. Mathieu also intercepted another pass later in the practice during 11-on-11, snatching a Palmer deep ball that was intended for tight end Ifeanyi Momah.

Receiver Jaron Brown continued his strong play, making a couple of nice grabs — including a touchdown over corner Jimmy Legree in the corner of the end zone in a 7-on-7 play.

Tight end Darren Fells made a nice grab for a touchdown in the red zone, grabbing a ball that was first tipped by safety Deone Bucannon. Palmer threw the pass, by the way.

The Bad

As it goes when a team is working against itself, while the interceptions were great for the defense, they were not so good for Palmer. It’s not that No. 3 was a disaster Monday, it’s just that he wasn’t as sharp as he has been.

The Wounded

Once again, the Cards were without a good portion of their roster. Missing practice Monday was:

RB Marion Grice (hamstring)

CB Jerraud Powers (oblique)

CB Darren Woodard (groin)

RB David Johnson (hamstring)

CB Shaq Richardson

S D.J. Campbell

LB Shaq Riddick (hamstring)

LB Sean Weatherspoon (hamstring)

LB Darryl Sharpton (hip flexor)

OT Cameron Bradfield

OT Rob Crisp (knee)

OT D.J. Humphries (knee)

Notable

A.Q. Shipley was running first-team center with Lyle Sendlein manning the second-team. In turn, the Cardinals moved Ted Larsen — who had been the second-team center — to right guard, which pushed Earl Watford to right tackle.

J.J. Nelson and Brittan Golden each spent time returning punts.

With Jerraud Powers out, Justin Bethel lined up opposite Peterson as the No. 2 cornerback.

Drew Butler, a punter, took over field goal duties on a few attempts.

Probably can’t read too much into it, but when trying to cover both Nelson and John Brown one-on-one, Mathieu had no chance. He was burned by each at different times during one drill early in practice.

Kerwynn Williams and Stepfan Taylor each got some reps with the first-team, though earlier in the day head coach Bruce Arians expressed disappointment in his running backs and talked about adding another one to the roster.

Quotable

“The guys said, ‘where ever you see Smoke (John Brown), you see Fire now’ so that’s his nickname. He’s always in Smoke’s hip pocket, following him around and it’s a good thing. Smoke has been through it now and knows to help (Nelson) get to where Smoke is now faster than Smoke got there last year. They’re very similar; both fast. J.J. is a little bit longer, but they’re both fast and quick and can really run fast and cut on a dime. They can stretch the field, but they can also go over the middle.” – Bruce Arians on J.J. Nelson having a new nickname

“The minute I put that helmet on and I got hit. I’m like, OK. It felt good. Because you can’t get that in basketball. Being able to run someone over legally, that’s always fun.” – tight end Darren Fells on when he felt like football was for him

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