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Come Fan with UsSunday, August 9, 2026

Tyrann Mathieu injury: Cardinals DB has torn ACL, LCL

Arizona’s prized rookie is done for the season after a brutal knee injury.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu is done for the season with a torn ACL and LCL suffered against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday afternoon, according to Ian Rapoport.

Mathieu has been one of the most impactful rookies of the season, starring in Arizona’s secondary along with fellow LSU alum Patrick Peterson. Mathieu, who was taken in the third round of last April’s draft, amassed 68 tackles, two interceptions, a sack and a forced fumble.

With Mathieu on the shelf, Rashad Johnson is expected to be the proverbial next man up at free safety. Johnson is a five-year veteran who has 44 tackles and three picks on the year.

The Cardinals have quietly put together one of the more talented defenses in the league. Arizona ranks 11th against the pass and third versus the run, thanks to talented players such as Daryl Washington, Darnell Dockett, John Abraham and Calais Campbell.

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