Bethea isn't guaranteed to open the regular season in the starting lineup given the Cardinals' offseason signing of safety Tre Boston, Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Boston signed with the Cardinals earlier this week after finishing the 2017 season as a top-10 safety in pass coverage, per Pro Football Focus. The 34-year-old Bethea, on the other hand, received a slightly lower grade in coverage this past season but was significantly better in run support. However, it might not matter who is formally considered the starter at free safety here, as both defensive backs could see significant playing time under creative head coach Steve Wilks.

The Cardinals plan to pick up the $1 million roster bonus owed to Bethea (pectoral) when the new league year begins in March, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was an easy decision for the Cardinals to retain Bethea after the veteran safety enjoyed a productive first season in the desert, recording 57 tackles, a forced fumble and a career-high five interceptions in 15 games before missing the finale with a torn pectoral muscle. The 33-year-old has two years remaining on his contract and is due a $3 million base salary in 2018 in addition to the roster bonus.

Bethea (pectoral) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians announced earlier Tuesday that Bethea came out of Sunday's win over the Giants with a torn pectoral muscle, so the safety's move to IR was fully expected. Bethea's absence for the season finale against the Seahawks leaves Harlan Miller as the only backup behind starting safeties Tyrann Mathieu and Budda Baker.

Bethea suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Sunday's 23-0 win over the Giants and will be held out for the Dec. 31 season finale against the Seahawks, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though Bethea sustained the season-ending injury in the Week 16 victory, he at least submitted his best outing of the season in the process picking off two passes and collecting three tackles. Bethea finished the 2017 campaign with 57 stops, five picks and nine pass breakups across 15 games, more than validating the Cardinals' decision to ink him to a three-year, $12.75 million deal in the offseason. Head coach Bruce Arians said Tuesday it was still being decided whether or not Bethea would require surgery to address the injury.

Bethea (knee) is listed as active Sunday against the Giants, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Following back-to-back DNPs with a limited showing Friday, Bethea fit in enough activity to appease the Cardinals' training staff. On the season, Bethea primarily has served as a reserve, yet he's still posted 54 tackles, three interceptions, one sack and one forced fumble due to Arizona's propensity to use five, six or more defensive backs on any given play.

Bethea (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bethea returned to practice as a limited participant Friday after sitting out Wednesday and Thursday. The veteran safety suffered the injury in Sunday's loss to the Redskins and will likely be a game-day decision for Week 16.

Bethea (knee) was listed as non-participant on Wednesday's injury report, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bethea tweaked his knee during Sunday's loss to the Redskins. The fact he was able to return to the game suggests Wednesday's day-off was for maintenance purposes.

Bethea briefly left Sunday's game against the Redskins but he has returned, Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bethea forced a fumble on his first series back, and he'll slot back into his No. 3 safety position for the remainder of Sunday's game.

Bethea left Sunday's game against the Redskins with a knee injury and is questionable to return, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bethea battled a knee injury ahead of Sunday's game, and this is likely a setback. The veteran safety is listed as the No. 3 for Arizona, but he still plays near full snap counts. Expect Harlan Miller increase his defensive workload if Bethea can't return.

Bethea (knee) won't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Redskins, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bethea started out the week not practicing but was a full participant Friday to avoid the questionable tag. Budda Baker (thigh) avoided being listed as questionable as well, so Bethea should be in for his usual workload against the Redskins this week.