Arizona Cardinal Tyrann Mathieu Tears ACL, Out for the Season

Despite defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 40-17 and clinching the NFC West Sunday night, the mood around the Arizona Cardinals was not as festive as one would imagine. Star defensive back Tyrann “Honey Badger” Mathieu tore his ACL Sunday night and the Defensive Player of the Year candidate is now out for the foreseeable future. Mathieu’s injury came in “garbage time” with the Cardinals up 23 points on Philadelphia with just over two and a half minutes to go in the game. The former LSU star intercepted Sam Bradford and twisted his knee trying to elude Bradford’s intended receiver Riley Cooper. Mathieu stayed on the ground and reportedly told the training staff he heard a pop in his knee, but didn’t think it was his ACL.

The star defender tore his ACL and LCL late in his rookie season back in 2013. He did return for the start of the 2014 season and played 13 games for the Cardinals.

With the victory in Philadelphia, Bruce Arian’s Cardinals move to 12-2 and officially clinch the NFC West division. They are also on track to receive a first round bye with a two game lead over the Green Bay Packers for the number two seed in the NFC. The undefeated Carolina Panthers claimed the number one seed with a win over the New York Giants, who fell to second in the NFC East.

Philadelphia now also holds a second place spot in the dreary NFC East. They will play the first place Washington Redskins on Saturday night and look to become 7-8. A win the following week against the New York Giants for Philadelphia could mean an 8-8 Philadelphia Eagles team would be a playoff team.

The Arizona Cardinals will host the Green Bay Packers at home on Sunday afternoon.