John Abraham reports to Arizona Cardinals after three-week absence

Dec 8, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Kellen Clemens (10) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker John Abraham (55) during the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the rams 30-10. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Kellen Clemens (10) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker John Abraham (55) during the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the rams 30-10. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
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John Abraham made his long-awaited debut at Arizona Cardinals camp after a near three-week absence as he attended to personal reasons.

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Abraham, 36, missed the start of Cardinals camp and their preseason opener as he tended to his personal affairs after he was arrested on charges of driving under the influence in late July, his third alcohol-related arrest.

“I am very thankful for the support from my family, friends and especially the Cardinals organization during this time in my life,” he said at the time. “I am looking forward to being back with my teammates in the near future.”

Abraham was a pleasant surprise for the Cardinals last season when he recorded 11.5 sacks as an outside linebacker and earned his fifth Pro Bowl selection.

He is the NFL’s active leader in career sacks with 133.5 and will be counted on providing a pass rush off the edge, especially considering the team lost Daryl Washington to a one-year suspension and Karlos Dansby signed with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent in the offseason.

Abraham may face league discipline from commissioner Roger Goodell for the DUI arrest and could be forced to sit for a game or two, perhaps more as a repeat offender.

You would hope a veteran like Abraham would be past the mistakes he committed earlier in his career and learn from those transgressions, but hopefully the third time is the charm for the veteran pass-rusher who will avoid any more alcohol-related arrests.

The Cardinals open the season against the St. Louis Rams on September 8.