Arizona Cardinals love Patrick Peterson at wide receiver
By Josh Sanchez
The Arizona Cardinals have always flirted with the idea of giving star cornerback Patrick Peterson an expanded role on the offensive side of the ball and it is looking like this could be the year that he really gets an opportunity to play both ways. Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reports Peterson has consistently seen work as receiver during recent practice sessions and the team has made a package of about 15 plays to get him involved.
Peterson is one of the better athletes in the league and that has led to head coach Bruce Arians saying Peterson could be one of the top receivers in the league.
“I had hopes that he could be something special, in a package a week, but after you see the athlete he is, it’s like the guy could be one of the top five receivers in the league,” Arians said. “So, you say, ‘Hmmm, that’s a lot of weapons sitting over here next to me.’”
You can never have enough playmakers in the NFL, so the Cardinals are going to need to decide just how big of a role Peterson will have moving forward.
He also plays on special teams as a returner, so the Cardinals are increasing the risk that Peterson could get injured with the hits he would be taking and playing in every aspect of the game. If they are confident that he can avoid serious injury, look for Peterson to get some reps on offense throughout the regular season.