Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said that safety Tyrann Mathieu was “real close” to returning from his shoulder injury last week, but the team ultimately opted to rule him out against the 49ers in Week 10.
Mathieu has moved a bit closer to getting back on the field this week. Mathieu was a limited participant in practice all three days this week and has drawn a questionable designation for Sunday’s game against the Vikings.
Arians referred to Mathieu as a game-time decision on Friday, so their decision this week probably won’t become official until 90 minutes before kickoff in Minnesota. The Cardinals plan to have cornerback Patrick Peterson on Vikings wideout Stefon Diggs all day with Mathieu likely to be back in his slot role if he gets the green light to play.
Linebacker Deone Bucannon and cornerback Tharold Simon are also listed as questionable while defensive tackle Corey Peters is doubtful after missing practice all week.