The Arizona Cardinals’ defense just took a big hit.
Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians announced Monday that free safety Tyrann Mathieu will miss the rest of the team’s season with an ACL tear. Mathieu sustained the injury after intercepting quarterback Sam Bradford in the final minutes of Sunday night’s 40-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
“He’ll be fine,” Arians said, per ESPN.com. “He’ll bounce back, and he’ll be ready for next year.”
Mathieu has been a defensive force this season, collecting five interceptions and 89 combined tackles in his third year in the NFL. And the news was particularly tough for Arians, who’s grown close to Mathieu over the years.
“We have a little different bond,” Arians said, per ESPN.com. “Just because where he came from, where I came from, and I’ve just gotten real attached to him. I love the player, but I love the person more.”
Arizona clinched the NFC West with its victory Sunday, but it will be without Mathieu through the playoffs, too.
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
