Peterson’s reps limited as 6-game ban looms
Patrick Peterson doesn’t begin forfeiting portions of his $3.8 million in lost wages until the first week of the regular season. That’s part of the sacrifice that comes with serving a sixgame suspension to start the year for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Another garnishment of sorts began this week for Peterson, however, as the Cardinals’ star cornerback and eight-time Pro Bowl performer learned he’ll be losing reps in practice and seeing diminished playing time in preseason games.
The news came courtesy of head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who on Monday said the team needs to start ramping up to its Sept. 8 season opener by seeing what it has in the cornerback trio of Robert Alford, Tramaine Brock Sr. and Byron Murphy.
The more time the three spend together in 11-on-11 work in training camp and on the field together during the preseason, the more chemistry and communication they should be able to develop.
“No question,” Kingsbury said. “As we build toward Week 1, we wanted to make sure that those guys are getting enough reps to feel comfortable because we’re going to need them to be playing at a high level when Week 1 comes.
“We know what Pat is, what he can do. He’s been great in camp so far, the way he’s worked and helped those young guys. But now it’s kind of their time to step up and take over while he’s out.”
Peterson knew in advance that his reps were going to be cut, telling reporters Monday he doesn’t expect to play at all during the team’s third preseason game at Minnesota, which is typically when starters see the most playing time.
“I knew the plan all along. I’m perfectly fine with it,” Peterson said. “We already had these discussions leading up to this point.”
Alford is the team’s starting right cornerback, and for now, the plan is for him to stay on that side of the field and not assume Peterson’s customary spot on the left side. That role will continue to be split between Brock, a 10-year veteran, and Murphy, the rookie second-round pick.
It’s believed that whoever doesn’t officially get tabbed by Kingsbury as the temporary replacement for Peterson will slide into the team’s nickel or slot corner position. Brock and Murphy can play both outside and inside and one of them will eventually man the nickel role once Peterson returns.
For now, they’re both competing for the starting corner job opposite Alford, although Peterson said he thinks Brock will win out.
“I think Byron is still in the mix,” Kingsbury said. “We’re really excited to have both of them. Tramaine is a veteran who’s very comfortable in this system. We felt like that was a huge get for us in the offseason. And obviously Byron falling to us in the second round, super talented, just young and needs all the reps he can get.”
Alford, who is entering his seventh season, wouldn’t mind patrolling either side of the field: “I consider myself an athlete, so I can play either left or right.”
“If they just need me to stay on the right side, I’m willing to do that, too,” Alford added. “I’m just out there to help this team win and trying to come up with takeaways and try to achieve some of the goals that I’ve set for myself.”
Throughout most of his career with the Cardinals, Peterson typically has shadowed the opponent’s No. 1 wide receiver, which means he lines up wherever that receiver goes. Alford said he’s more than willing to handle that responsibility as well if asked.
“Right now, they haven’t said anything to me about that, but I’m up for the challenge,” he said. “I mean, that’s right up my alley. I’m willing to do whatever they want me to do, but yeah, I’d love to do it. I did it in the past when I was with Atlanta, so I’m up for it.”
Kingsbury recognizes how important Alford is for the secondary, particularly when Peterson is away.
“He’s the type who loves competition,” Kingsbury said. “He wants to be the guy and I think he sees this as a real opportunity to step up and kind of lead that group of corners.”
Could limiting Peterson’s practice reps in training camp cause rookie quarterback Kyler Murray to miss out on some valuable competition?
“Just maybe throwing a few more interceptions from what I can tell,” Kingsbury said, smiling. “(Murray) likes going at him (Peterson) for whatever reason. I’ve tried to talk him out of it, but it’s his competitive nature.
“But no, I think for all the receivers, if you’re going against the best corner in the league — or one of the best — that’s great work. Whether you’re a quarterback or a receiver, it’s great work. Pat’s still going to be getting reps. It’s just not going to be as prominent as it was.”
Once Peterson’s suspension starts, he can’t have contact with the Cardinals in any form. He is eligible to return in mid-October when Arizona prepares for its Week 7 game against the New York Giants.
“That first Tuesday or whenever you’re allowed back in the building, it’s go time,” Kingsbury said.
Note
The Cardinals were awarded their waiver claim on linebacker Jeff Holland, who was released by the Broncos on Sunday.
Holland, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Auburn in 2018, appeared in three games for Denver last season and had six tackles after starting the year on the Broncos’ practice squad.