Daryl Washington to return for Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington has been told that he will play his first match of the season against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Washington has missed the opening four games of the current campaign, having been suspended back in April for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

The 2012 Pro Bowler has not been able to practise with the team during that time, but coach Bruce Arians believes that he should be ready in time to face the Panthers.

"Mentally, he should be up to speed. Physically, he's in great shape, so it's just a matter of playing football again, so we'll get him out there and get him ready," Arians told ESPN.

Washington is yet to be reinstated to the 53-man active roster, but that is expected to happen early this week.