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Cardinals' Mathieu expected to return Sunday vs. Falcons

Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu is expected to make an early return from a shoulder injury Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, head coach Bruce Arians said Wednesday, via ESPN's Josh Weinfuss.

Mathieu was knocked out of a Week 8 loss to the Carolina Panthers and was originally expected to miss three-to-six weeks. While Arians is confident he'll have his All-Pro back in the secondary, Mathieu was a little more tentative with his response, but still expects to play.

"I think I'm ready to go," Mathieu said. "We'll see how the week goes. If I continue to progress well and everything's OK, I'll be out there Sunday."

While the Cardinals also await the return of safety Tyvon Branch, Arians said Mathieu will play as the nickel corner, where he's regularly lined up through his career.

Mathieu has 27 tackles, three pass deflections, one interception, and one forced fumble through eight games this season.

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