Cardinals’ ‘Honey Badger’ out for season with torn ACL

Mathieu tore his left LCL and ACL in December 2013.

Mathieu has been an electrifying presence in the Cardinals’ defensive backfield all season, with five interceptions to go along with 80 solo tackles.

“It’s his energy and passion, at everything”, said Arians. “I thought he should be right there with Pat (Peterson) for defensive player of the year”. It was a non-contact injury, though it came with the game well in hand for Arizona. His left ankle got caught in the turf and he fell awkwardly to the ground.

There had been some optimism because Mathieu was walking without a limp after the game. “He’s still walking fine, it’s just the MRI says differently”.

Arizona has already wrapped up the NFC West and is looking to secure a first-round bye in the playoffs. “It could be okay”, Arians said. Helped by his LSU teammate Peterson, he emerged as a charismatic team leader, a high-energy player on the field and a highly accessible one off it. He has stated several times Mathieu is his favorite player on the roster. The coach was kicked off his team in high school. “But the doctor said the knee’s loose”. What Mathieu brings to the Cardinals, in many ways, are the intangibles.

Green Bay and the Cardinals meet next Sunday at Arizona. All of Mathieu’s interceptions came when he was lined up as a slot cornerback. That would mean Justin Bethel taking Powers’ spot as outside corner when the team is in its nickel configuration.

Sure, wacky things can happen in the National Football League – see Pittsburgh’s 2nd half rally against the Broncos Sunday, or the Redskins rally from down 24-0 at home against Tampa earlier this season. In fact, he suffered his ACL injury while diving for an interception in the fourth quarter of a game that was well in hand. “I’ve just gotten real attached to him”.