Long snapper Aaron Brewer should be ready to return to the active roster this week, coming off of injured reserve. But, as the Cardinals have been saying for a while. GM Steve Keim emphasized Monday: That other available IR-to-return spot very well could go unused.

"You have to have someone healthy enough to return," Keim said during an appearance on the "Doug and Wolf" show on Arizona Sports 98.7. "At this point, I don't see any guys coming back for sure."

But what about David Johnson? Is keeping the star running back, coming back from a bad wrist, more about saving him for 2018? Keim said no.

"He gets paid to play football," Keim said, adding that if Johnson was healthy and was cleared by the doctors, he should return to the field. "But if there are any gray areas, I don't know why you'd want to risk it."

Johnson has been working on conditioning, but hasn't returned to practice -- obviously, since the clock would start in that case.

-- There were a couple of free-agents-to-be Keim talked about. One was quarterback Blaine Gabbert. "I don't think there is any question we would like to have Blaine back," Keim said, although he did not say in what capacity. Keim said it was up to Gabbert how much the QB can improve, although I don't think there is any question the Cardinals will continue to search for a long-term answer at the position.

Keim also praised 34-year-old CB Tramon Williams, also a potential FA. He was asked if Williams was someone the Cards wanted to bring back. Keim went big-picture with his answer, not talking necessarily about Williams directly but saying that's part of the daily process right now, talking with players about potential extensions and is something the Cards will be involved in this week. (I think it makes sense to consider bringing back Williams, although the age will be a factor in talks.)

Keim called Williams a "true pro," noting that while he might have lost a step over the years, his anticipation and instincts are "phenomenal."

-- As for Gabbert, Keim praised the QB's ability to bounce back after something has gone wrong. He did note Gabbert's throws tend to get a little high when he has to go through his progressions or if he is throwing outside the numbers.

-- Keim also said there was plenty of blame for the eight sacks, naming not only the offensive line but blitz pick-up by the running backs, Gabbert's failure to get rid of the ball a time or two and even the receivers' inability to get open sometimes.

-- A general note on accuracy: Keim said it is something that can be improved a little bit, but mostly it's innate -- "You have it or you don't" he said. (P.S. I agree with this. Accuracy can't be learned, IMO.)

-- There was praise for linebacker Josh Bynes "He's very very consistent, savvy and physical," Keim said. "To come in late in process like that, I'm extremely proud of the way he's played." There was also praise for defensive linemen Olsen Pierre, Frostee Rucker and of course Chandler Jones. "He's been a dominant force all year," Keim said

-- Finally, there was a word on Larry Fitzgerald becoming third all-time in receiving yards in the NFL. "For me, it's just been an honor to work with him," Keim said. "Knowing he will retire as a Cardinal gives me a special feeling." (P.S. II We don't know when Fitz is retiring yet.)