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Losing Makes Bruce Arians "Hungrier" To Return

Notes: Arians unsure if he will coach in 2018; Brewer nears return; Peterson iffy

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Cardinals coach Bruce Arians on the sideline during Sunday's loss to the Rams.



The Cardinals won double-digit games in each of Bruce Arians' first three seasons as coach, culminating with a 13-3 record and an NFC title game appearance in 2015.

Since then, they have lost more games than they have won, which tends to take its toll. But Arians, who plans to consider retirement this offseason, said two consecutive down seasons won't have a negative effect on his decision-making process.

"If anything, it makes me hungrier," Arians said. "Because I know who is coming off that (injured reserve) list."

Arians didn't get an NFL head coaching gig until he was 60 and is now in his fifth year with the team. He said there will be several factors when deciding whether to return in 2018, which includes his health.

Arians missed a 2016 preseason game against the Chargers because of diverticulitis and had a portion of his kidney removed last year due to of cancer. He is also a prostate cancer survivor. Arians has not missed any time in 2017 due to his health, and made some changes to his diet in training camp.

Arians said the media would be "the first to know" about his retirement plans, before quickly adding an addendum.

"Maybe second," he said.

Who will be first?

"My wife," he said.

Arians is now the longest-tenured major coach in the Valley after Arizona State fired Todd Graham. He isn't surprised by all of the movement around him.

"It's a 'What've you done for me lately?' business," Arians said. "What happened today in New York (the Giants fired coach Ben McAdoo and General Manager Jerry Reese), I think they won the division last year, didn't they? You can't control injuries, and you can't control a lot of things. It's the nature of the beast when you get in it."

LONG SNAPPER BREWER COULD GET ACTIVATED FROM IR

Long snapper Aaron Brewer (arm) is the player on injured reserve most ready for a return, and he may be activated to play in two weeks, Arians said. Justin Drescher was signed to replace Brewer, and was in the crosshairs on Sunday because the Rams came up the middle to block an extra point and a field goal.

"He's got to anchor down," Arians said. "Jacksonville had a great rush (two weeks ago). We had no problems with Jacksonville. All of a sudden it shows up in this game where he gets run over. He's just got to anchor down and hold his spot. It's as simple as that."

If Brewer is activated, it will leave the Cardinals with one spot remaining to bring back an injured reserve player. The candidates would be quarterback Carson Palmer, running back David Johnson, running back T.J. Logan and guard Mike Iupati. Arians still seems pessimistic that any of them will be ready to play this season.

Arians said Palmer's cast has been removed and he is "working his tail off" to return. Palmer would be eligible to play in the final two games of the season – at home against the Giants and on the road against the Seahawks.

ADRIAN PETERSON IFFY FOR SUNDAY

Running back Adrian Peterson missed Sunday's game with a neck injury and it's unknown if he will be available for Week 14 against the Titans.

"We'll see," Arians said. "It's strictly up to him and the doctors."

The Cardinals are hoping money linebacker Deone Bucannon (ankle), defensive lineman Corey Peters (ankle) and wide receiver John Brown (toe) can return this week.

Some of the best images from the Week 13 contest



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