Kent Somers

azcentral sports

It appears Patrick Peterson's days as a wide receiver are over, and it might be rare to see him return a punt in 2014.

His job title with the Cardinals might contain just one word: cornerback.

The Cardinals are wary of having Peterson return punts full time because teammate Tyrann Mathieu suffered two torn knee ligaments returning a punt last December, coach Bruce Arians said on Friday.

Receiver Ted Ginn, Jr., is expected to return kicks, and probably most of the punts, in 2014. Receiver John Brown, drafted in the third round on Friday, provides depth as a returner.

"We have two fast guys who are capable of doing both now," Arians said.

Arians said the Cardinals would like Peterson to just "focus on taking out receivers."

"He's still dynamic enough to do it," said Arians, who added that Peterson's "wide receiver days might be over."

The Cardinals worked extensively in training camp last on a package that included Peterson at receiver. Because of overall inconsistency on offense, they weren't able to use it much during the season.

Peterson caught six passes for 54 yards and rushed four times for 21. He did not score a touchdown.

His punt return production has plummeted since 2011, his rookie year, when he return four for touchdowns. In 2013, Peterson average just 6 yards per return.

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