Cardinals' Mathieu doubtful for Redskins game

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, would replace Mathieu. Branch played in the first four games of the season (three starts) and had 22 tackles before being placed on injured reserve with a groin injury on Oct. 4. He is a nine-year veteran in his first season with the Cardinals.

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.