TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Matt Shaughnessy returned to practice Wednesday after missing six weeks because of surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee, but he’s not eligible to play in a game until Arizona hosts Kansas City in Week 14.

Between now and then, Shaughnessy, who had nine tackles in four games, believes he’ll be able to get back into game shape.

“I mean I’ll be working with [strength and conditioning coach] Buddy [Morris], so I’m pretty sure he’ll whip me back in shape,” Shaughnessy said.

He said he’ll take it slow to start this week, but he can’t predict how much rust he’ll have to knock off.

“I pushed it pretty hard, but you can’t simulate playing the game,” Shaughnessy said. “So I’ll get out there and see how it feels and go from there.”

Shaughnessy, who had 36 tackles and three sacks last season, said the past six weeks were difficult but said he’s been around his teammates during his rehab. The Cardinals’ pass rush struggled at first without Shaughnessy, but has 10 of its 14 sacks without him in the last two weeks.

While Shaughnessy’s pass-rushing has been missed, coach Bruce Arians hasn’t spent time dwelling on his absence.

“I don’t worry about the ones that can’t play,” Arians said.

Shaughnessy’s been feeling well enough to practice the last couple of weeks, but he’s antsy to get back on the field in a game situation.

“I just want to be part of the team again and start contributing,” he said.

“It’s been hard. I’ve also been busy rehabbing. I’ve been here been around the guys so it’s not like I’ve been out of it.”