The injury bug mostly skipped the Arizona Cardinals this season, until last night.
The “devastating” news Bruce Arians mentioned last night, when he didn’t know if Tyrann Mathieu would escape from the injury scare unscathed, proved to be true today. Tyrann Mathieu, having an amazing campaign through 14 games, is lost for the season and foreseeable future with a torn ACL, his second in three professional seasons.
Mathieu, leaping for a interceptions on the last defensive play of the game, landed awkwardly. After falling to the turf, he was helped off the field and was seen walking under his own power in the locker room without a limp.
Mathieu accumulated 89 tackles, one sack and five interceptions over 14 games this year and will miss the Cardinals playoff push.
While Mathieu’s absence can be schemed around by a very talented defense, his passion and heart will be missed. If anything, this gives the Cardinals something, someone, to fight for as they finish up the season.
Get well Honey Badger, we look forward to seeing you succeed in many seasons to come, truly one of the most incredible, positive football stories when the world seems fixated on Odel this, Giants that, coulda-woulda-shoulda, etc.
#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
BREAKING: @Mathieu_Era suffered a torn ACL and is out for the rest of the season. pic.twitter.com/RlUvxDJ4UM
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 21, 2015
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
Here’s the play where the injury happened:
#AZCardinals GM Steve Keim: "Fingers crossed" for @Mathieu_Era. https://t.co/2mTB0NFRDt
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 21, 2015
(h/t @AZSports 98.7 FM) pic.twitter.com/sszJaI52na