A tremendous season for Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu is ending earlier than expected.
Arizona coach Bruce Arians announced Monday that the Honey Badger has a torn ACL and will miss the rest of the season. Mathieu injured his right knee on an interception return during Sunday’s win over the Eagles.
Cardinals coach Bruce Arians tells reporters that DB Tyrann Mathieu has a torn ACL. He's done for the season.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 21, 2015
#AZCardinals DB Tyrann Mathieu was optimistic but he knew something was wrong. He told trainers last night he felt a pop. Now, torn ACL
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 21, 2015
Tyrann Mathieu : 5 tackles & 1 INT (Right knee injury & went straight to the locker room) 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/C6CTt9M8En
— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) December 21, 2015
Mathieu previously tore his other ACL with three games left in the 2013 season. Unlike that time, Mathieu walked off the field Sunday and did not appear in excruciating pain. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport suggested this injury is likely not as serious as the previous one, but it’s still a terrible turn of events for Mathieu and the Cardinals.
This is Tyrann Mathieu's 2nd ACL tear in 24 months — First one to his left knee, this one to his right knee. Tough loss for the Cardinals.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 21, 2015
This injury sucks from a number of perspectives. For one, Mathieu was in the midst of a breakout season, He had five interceptions, 16 pass deflections, and 89 tackles while playing all over the field for Arizona.
Beyond that, this is a huge blow for the 12-2 Cardinals, who have the second best record in the NFC. They will certainly miss him in the playoffs, especially since their most likely divisional round matchup is Aaron Rodgers’ Packers. Arizona quarterback Carson Palmer also suffered an injury in the game against the Eagles, though he is not expected to miss time.
Mathieu has overcome a lot to become one of the league’s best defensive players, from drug problems while at LSU to the 2013 knee injury. Hopefully he recovers quickly and is back as strong as ever next season.
My true prayers go out to @Mathieu_Era. I love you my brother and I pray u keep the faith,the passion u play with and the love of the game!
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) December 21, 2015
Terrible news about @Mathieu_Era.. One of the best competitors I've played against. I know you'll be back.
— Kyle Rudolph (@KyleRudolph) December 21, 2015
Do your very best.. Cause that's all you're in control of!!!
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) December 21, 2015
