Peterson, Cardinals mutually upbeat
TEMPE, ARIZ . Adrian Peterson’s prayers were answered when he was traded out of a third-team role with the New Orleans Saints and into the featured running back spot with the Arizona Cardinals.
But about the Cardinals’ requests to a higher power? Is Peterson part of the solution to a moribund run game?
The answer to that will come over the next few weeks.
Peterson practiced with the Cardinals for the first time Wednesday and will play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Peterson found out he was traded Tuesday morning, and his reaction was, “Thank you, Jesus. You answer prayers. ... I wasn’t pushing to be moved, but I’d be lying to say I didn’t want a change of scenery. It was something I was praying about.”
Some highlights from the postpractice media session:
“He knows football, so it’s just a matter of learning numbers and words,” coach Bruce Arians said.
The trade came together quickly. Arians and Cardinals general manager Steve Keim met this week after Arizona lost in Philadelphia 34-7. The Cardinals ranked last in the NFL in rushing yards per game (51.8) and carry (2.6). Together, they decided to call the Saints and inquire about Peterson.
They are sending a conditional sixth-round pick in 2018 to New Orleans. That pick is conditional on Peterson reaching a certain play-time level.
“I’ve been very pleased with the tape I saw of him this year,” Arians said. “Just his opportunities dwindled down there. I haven’t been satisfied with our running game. I love Chris Johnson. It just didn’t work out.”
Peterson should be able to pick up the run game quickly, Arians said. “We’ll get him taught as much as we can.”
Peterson on how much he has left: “I look to play at least four to five more years, God willing. I have a lot left in the tank. Stay tuned, and you guys will be able to see that firsthand.”
Peterson is good friends with receiver Larry Fitzgerald. “Like family,” he said. So he took Fitzgerald up on his offer to stay in his guesthouse.
Peterson could not reach a deal with cornerback Justin Be- thel to wear No. 28. So he is wearing No. 23. “We had a conversation,” Peterson said. “It didn’t last long at all. We just didn’t agree. I like him, though. Bethel, he’s a guy I’ve watched and I appreciate. He’s one of those guys who came from the bottom, made a name for himself. He’s a hard worker. He represents that number well. He can have it.”
Cowboys meet: Players from the Dallas Cowboys held two meetings Wednesday, first with members of the team’s coaching staff, including head coach Jason Garrett, and then with Jerry Jones, to discuss the owner’s comments that he would bench any players who do “anything that is disrespectful to the flag.”
Few players were present during the open locker room session after the meeting with Jones, according to The Dallas Morning News, and the players who were present declined to comment on specifics of the meeting.
“I can’t really say much right now,” linebacker David Irving told reporters.
Irving was one of two players, along with defensive lineman Damontre Moore, who raised a fist at the end of the anthem Sunday.
Cowboys players have one more day of practice Thursday before they will be dismissed for the bye week.
NFL owners are scheduled to meet next week in New York City, so Jones’ stance might be moot by the time Dallas next takes the field in Week 7, depending on what owners and NFL officials decide to do regarding the league’s official policy regarding the anthem.
Brady ‘good’: Tom Brady did not practice at New England Patriots on Wednesday amid a report that the quarterback is dealing with an injury to his nonthrowing shoulder, but he said he would be ready to play Sunday against the New York Jets. Brady was present for the portion of practice open to the media, but the injury report said he did not practice. NBC Sports Boston reported that Brady suffered an AC Joint sprain in Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers, an injury he aggravated last Thursday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “I’m good. I’m not worried about it,” Brady told reporters. “I’ll be there Sunday.”
Somers writes for The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contributing: Lindsey H. Jones, wire reports