Cardinals S Tyrann Mathieu doubtful ahead of Redskins game

Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu. (Matt York/AP)

TEMPE, Ariz. — Tyrann Mathieu did not practice on Friday and coach Bruce Arians said it’s doubtful the versatile Arizona Cardinals defensive back will play Sunday against Washington.

The problem is the same shoulder injury that kept him out of games against San Francisco and Minnesota. He returned for last Sunday’s loss at Atlanta and had two tackles and a sack.

Mathieu practiced Wednesday, but soreness kept him sidelined Friday. Arians said it would be a game-time decision whether Mathieu will play Sunday.

Tyvon Branch, taken off injured reserve two weeks ago, would replace Mathieu.

Arians said wide receiver John Brown participated in 12 to 15 plays Friday and didn’t have any recurrence of problems associated with the sickle cell anemia trait that has slowed him over the six weeks.

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