Cardinals wide receiver John Brown has been wearing a non-contact jersey of late after returning from a concussion.

The Cardinals had several key starters miss Sunday's preseason loss to the Texans, but the prognosis is good for most of them.

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (knee) and cornerback Patrick Peterson (ankle) were held out as precautions, and while safety Tyrann Mathieu (knee) probably won't play this preseason, he's still on track for the regular season opener on Sept. 11.

The biggest unknown is wide receiver John Brown, who suffered a concussion on July 31. He returned to practice last week but is still suffering from recurring headaches.

"This is my first concussion, my first time dealing with it," Brown said. "The coaches and the trainers are doing a great job taking their time with it. We'll just wait and see what the outcome will be."

Brown was hurt trying to catch a pass and it looked innocuous enough, but he has yet to return to full speed nearly a month later.

"I've been concerned the whole time," coach Bruce Arians said. "You hate to see them linger this long, because you don't really know what's causing them, whether it was the concussion, or if it's medicine, weather, whatever it is. He's had two headache-free days, so hopefully we can exercise and have a headache free day."

Brown did some work in practice on Monday afternoon. In the past, the headaches would arise immediately after sudden movements. He said that wasn't the case this time.

"I'm doing fine now," Brown said. "Today was a better day."

ARIANS NOT MAD ABOUT HIT ON PALMER

Carson Palmer lost his helmet and part of his tooth when Texans defensive lineman Devon Still blocked him following Palmer's second interception Sunday.

There was plenty of outrage from fans who saw Palmer get crunched, but Arians wasn't upset with Still. 

"Don't throw an interception," Arians said.

"That guy was doing his job," Arians added. "Whether he gets fined or not, whether it should have been a flag, it's up to the officials."

MATHIEU DOESN'T NEED PRESEASON WORK

Mathieu said after Sunday's game he would feel fine heading into the regular season without any preseason action. Arians doesn't consider it an issue, either.

Arians would be content with eight or nine solid practices from his star defensive back.

"I expect him to be out there full speed, ready to roll (against the Patriots)," Arians said.

Running back Stepfan Taylor suffered a knee bruise against the Texans but could be ready for New England if he heals in the expected timeframe of a week to 10 days.

ARIANS GIVES INPUT ON KAEPERNICK CONTROVERSY

Colin Kaepernick has been in a hailstorm of controversy for remaining seated during the National Anthem at the 49ers' first three preseason games.

The San Francisco quarterback said the gesture was made to support oppressed minorities and bring awareness to police brutality and frayed race relations. Critics believe he's been disrespectful of the country and the military.

Arians was asked about the high-profile dispute on Monday.

"I respect his right as an American," Arians said. "Freedom of speech is one thing. I disagree with (the action). I want to stand and cheer for all the people who have lost their life – of every race, religion and gender – defending that flag. So it's not my opinion, but I respect his right."