The Arizona Cardinals kicked off their second of three weeks of voluntary team activities on Wednesday. They had almost the full team there. There were only two players of note who were not in attendance.
Cornerback Patrick Peterson continued his absence from the team during this voluntary part of the offseason and outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, who was not present last week when reporters saw practice, was also not on the field on Wednesday.
Defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche, recovering from a torn ACL, also was not on the field during practice.
This is still the voluntary part of the offseason so there is no need to be alarmed with either Suggs or Peterson. Peterson has already said he will attend mandatory minicamp in two weeks. Suggs, entering his 17th season in the league, likely does not need the work and his absence was likely expected by the team from the time he signed his contract.
The Cardinals are learning a new defense but, being a Wade Phillips defense that defensive coordinator Vance Joseph runs, it isn’t new to the league. Suggs and Peterson will be just fine.
As for players who entered the offseason coming off of injuries, center A.Q. Shipley and running back D.J. Foster both participated with their teammates during the open part of practice on Wednesday after beginning off to the side.
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