Cardinals' Mathieu likely to be activated from PUP list this week

Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu is likely to be activated from the physically unable to perform list at some point this week, Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic reports.

Mathieu has been sidelined to this point in training camp as he continues to work his way back from a torn ACL suffered late last season.

Though he'd still have progress to make after being removed from the PUP list, returning to the practice field in any capacity would be another small step in the right direction.

Head coach Bruce Arians said that the plan is for Mathieu and other PUP list players - defensive tackle Frostee Rucker and cornerback Justin Bethel - to get mental reps upon being moved to the active roster.

Taking part in the individual portions of practice would be next, before the players are eventually cleared for full participation.

As has been the case throughout the offseason, the Cardinals reportedly remain optimistic that all three players will be ready to go for Week 1.

Getting Mathieu back in advance of the regular season would, of course, be a massive development for Arizona's defense. The 24-year-old emerged as one of the NFL's most versatile defensive talents in his 14 starts last year, racking up 89 tackles, 17 passes defenses, five interceptions, and one sack.