Cardinals' Peterson, Bethel undergo surgery
The Arizona Cardinals will be without three members of their starting secondary as they begin their offseason training program.
Starting cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Justin Bethel underwent surgery recently, but are still expected to be ready for training camp in July, according to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic.
Starting safety Tyrann Mathieu is also out of commission as he rehabs his second career ACL injury.
Peterson was diagnosed with an ankle injury following a Nov. 23 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The three-time All-Pro played out the remainder of the season following an MRI.
He tweeted that surgery "went great" Wednesday evening.
Surgery went great thanks to Dr. Anderson & his team! Appreciate the prayers P2 Nation! 🙏🏿 #WillBeBackStrongerFaster pic.twitter.com/HbDrffsuFo
— Patrick Peterson /P2 (@RealPeterson21) April 20, 2016
Bethel underwent surgery to repair a foot fracture, which he was able to play with during the season, but worsened in the offseason. He's not expected to compete in OTAs in May and June.
With Jerraud Powers still sitting in free-agency limbo, Peterson and Bethel are expected to be the Cardinals starting cornerback duo heading into training camp.
Both players have been selected to the last three Pro Bowls; Peterson as a cornerback and Bethel on special teams.