Mike Iupati returns to Cardinals' practice after scare in Seattle
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Arizona left guard Mike Iupati practiced Thursday on a limited basis, returning to workouts just four days after he was taken off the field in Seattle in an ambulance.
Iupati was injured during a violent collision with the Seahawks' Kam Chancellor in the second quarter of Arizona's 39-32 victory.
"It was scary," Iupati said. "When your neck hurts and both of your arms go numb, it's a scary feeling."
The 6-foot-5, 331-pound lineman said he "should be OK" for the Cardinals' game Sunday night against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin recalled a similar hit Chancellor delivered to offensive lineman Eric Winston two years ago.
"When you're pulling toward Kam, you better be prepared," Goodwin said, "because he brings a load."
Iupati called Chancellor "a hell of a player."
"Their (the Seahawks') defense is a phenomenal defense," Iupati said. "It's just football. Stuff happens."
Iupati said the feeling returned to both arms while he was lying on the turf but he understands the precaution medical personnel had to take. As he was lying on the ground, he winked at coach Bruce Arians.
"I was trying to tell everybody I was fine," Iupati said.
Goodwin wasn't quite as certain Iupati would be able to play against the Bengals.
"He looked fine, got some work in today," Goodwin said, "but we'll see what happens going into tomorrow and to Saturday to see whether he makes it or not on Sunday. I'm excited to have him back out there. He's all right. He's still goofy Mike, so I'm good."
Iupati, a three-time Pro Bowl player for the San Francisco 40ers, was Arizona's major free agent signee in the offseason, agreeing to a five-year, $40 million deal, with $22.5 million guaranteed. He missed the first three games of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.
Earl Watford filled in for Iupati on Sunday. Arizona could be without starting right guard Jonathan Cooper on Sunday night. Cooper missed practice for the second day in a row with a knee injury. If he can't play, either Watford or Ted Larsen would take his place.
Wide receiver John Brown (hamstring) also practiced on a limited basis Thursday after sitting out Wednesday's workout.
Wide receiver Michael Floyd (hamstring) and defensive end Cory Redding (ankle) did not practice Thursday.
