In major news out of the NFC West, Arizona Cardinals star defensive back Tyrann Mathieu has been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins, per Ian Rapaport.
Even more significantly, he’s mulling surgery, which would certainly cut yet another season short for the talented defensive back.
#Texans DE Jadeveon Clowney (wrist) will play this week. #AZCardinals DB Tyrann Mathieu won’t, as he contemplates surgery.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 9, 2016
Mathieu has been out for all but one game since the end of October with a shoulder injury (more on that here).
He missed time last season with a torn ACL. His slight frame calls injury concerns into question, as he plays with a reckless abandon that has led him to be considered one of the games top defensive backs.
With the Cardinals sitting at a disappointing 5-6-1, this news comes as a huge blow for a team looking to stay relevant in the NFC playoff picture.