The already reeling Arizona Cardinals will be without defensive back Tyrann Mathieu for the next three-to-six weeks, Bruce Arians told reporters Monday.
#AZCardinals coach Bruce Arians says, after tests, CB Tyrann Mathieu has to rehab his shoulder. Out 3-6 weeks after a shoulder subluxation.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2016
This is a big blow to a team that also learned its starting left tackle will be out for a while. Jared Veldheer needs triceps surgery and could potentially miss the rest of the season.
While Patrick Peterson is among the league’s best cornerbacks, there can be no doubt Mathieu is the heart and soul of Arizona’s defense. This injury marks the third injury that has forced him to miss time since becoming a pro. He was recovering from a torn ACL this past offseason.
His devil may care style of play is what makes him so special, but it also is proving to be dangerous to his health.
The Cardinals, now 3-4-1 after getting spanked by the Carolina Panthers in Week 8, have this next week to rest up on a bye.
Then they host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10 before traveling to the Land of 10,000 Lakes to face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 11. If the three-to-six week timeline is correct, then the first game Mathieu might be available to play in would be against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 12 — another road game.
It seems more likely that his first game back would be in Week 13 when the Cardinals come back home to host the Washington Redskins in the first week of December. Given the way this team has played to this point, it wouldn’t be shocking whatsoever if it wins just one of those three games.