Three of the four NFC West teams remain in the playoff race, but two lost key defensive players on Sunday. Arizona and Seattle will now have to rely on backups, at least for the rest of the regular season. Here is the latest injury news from around the division.
NFC West injuries, Week 14: Tyrann Mathieu out for the season
It was a rough week for injuries in the NFC West, with two teams losing a top defensive player for at least the rest of the regular season.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona:
Arizona will be without safety Tyrann Mathieu for the rest of the season after the rookie suffered a torn ACL and LCL on Sunday. The severity of the injury, and the damage to the LCL, will cause Mathieu to not only miss the rest of this season, but head coach Bruce Arians said Mathieu may not be ready for the start of training camp next season.
The rookie was having an excellent season and his loss will be a blow to Arizona's defense as the Cardinals attempt to stay in the playoff race.
San Francisco:
The 49ers are in good position for the playoffs and managed to pick up a win against Seattle while also avoiding serious injury. Frank Gore left the game with an ankle injury, but returned and broke off a key 51-yard run to set up the game-winning field goal. He appeared to re-aggravate the injury at the end of the run, but remained in the game.
Although he had to be helped off the field after taking a knee to the helmet, Eric Wright passed concussion tests and returned to the game in the fourth quarter.
Seattle:
Seattle lost to the 49ers on Sunday and lost a pair of key players in the process. Linebacker K.J. Wright suffered a foot injury against San Francisco and could miss the rest of the season. Head coach Pete Carroll said Wright will have surgery on Tuesday. Carroll said Wright could return in four-to-six weeks, which could allow him to return during the playoffs if the Seahawks advance. There is still a chance Wright could be placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Center Max Unger suffered a pectoral injury. Carroll said he would be limited during the week, but there is a chance he will be able to play through the injury. His status for Week 15 will be determined later in the week. Percy Harvin could play in Week 15, but the team will see what he is able to do in practice on Wednesday, then go from there.
St. Louis:
Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin came up limping after a 56-yard run and he later left the game due to an ankle injury. He lined up to return a punt on the next series, but did not play after that. His status for Week 15 will be determined later in the week. Head coach Jeff Fisher said backup tight end Mike McNeill also suffered an ankle injury.
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