TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — A teammate’s injury has accelerated the ascent of rookie Patrick Peterson into the Arizona Cardinals’ starting lineup.
The fifth pick overall will start at cornerback when the Cardinals open the season Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Coach Ken Whisenhunt likes to bring rookies along more slowly but a season-ending knee injury to starter Greg Toler forced his hand.
Peterson will start alongside second-year pro A.J. Jefferson, who was on Arizona’s practice squad last year, giving the Cardinals an exceedingly young pair of cornerbacks. Peterson also will return punts.
