Arizona Cardinals Injury Rumors: Tyrann Mathieu Suffers Torn ACL, Out for Season
The Arizona Cardinals hope to go deeper into the playoffs this season and they are more than capable of doing so. The only problem is that they will have to contend without Tyrann Mathieu. The talented defensive back got injured in the Cardinals' win against the Philadelphia Eagles, specifically a torn anterior cruciate ligament that will sideline him for the rest of the season. The announcement was made by head coach Bruce Arians on Monday.
The 23-year-old free safety got the injury right after making an interception in the fourth quarter. The knee injury is actually Mathieu's second one after he suffered a torn ACL and LCL in the left knee during his rookie year in 2013. Arians added that Mathieu is likely going to opt for surgery, but he won't be getting under the knife in at least a couple of weeks since doctors will have to wait for the swelling to ease.
The Cardinals are first in the NFC West and have only two defeats so far. But losing Mathieu is a big blow to the team's defensive capabilities on the field. Although it was announced that the injury will keep him from playing another game this season, the team is hopeful he could come back in time for the next season.
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The former LSU player was being considered as an All-Pro this season before the injury. He helped his team improve defensively, currently ranked seventh in total defense in the NFL.
Arizona will have to come up with ways on how to win without him, and the biggest question is who will step up for him. Mathieu has 89 total tackles this year plus one forced fumble, five interceptions, and one sack. Even his coach believes he's good enough to be considered as a top candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. "He set goals and he was attaining them. I thought he should be right there with Pat Peterson for Defensive Player of the Year," Arians said.
