Tyrann Mathieu Injury: Updates on Cardinals Safety's Shoulder and Return

Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu suffered a shoulder subluxation in Week 8 against the Carolina Panthers and had not played since. He did not need surgery, and is ready to return.

Continue for updates.

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Mathieu Active vs. Falcons

Sunday, Nov. 27

The Cardinals announced that Mathieu was available for Week 12.

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Latest on Mathieu's Practice Status

Friday, Nov. 25

The Cardinals announced that Mathieu was limited in practice on Friday.

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Keim Comments on Mathieu's Potential Return

Monday, Nov. 21

ESPN.com's Josh Weinfuss noted that Cardinals general manager Steve Keim announced on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM on Monday that "there's a good chance" Mathieu will be available against the Falcons.

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Mathieu Comments on Timeline for Return

Tuesday, Nov. 1

"It's not something that's going to keep me out for the rest of the season," Mathieu said, per Darren Urban of the team's official site. "Once my shoulder gets stable, I'll be good to go."

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Latest on Mathieu's Diagnosis

Monday, Oct. 31

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Mathieu suffered a shoulder subluxation and will undergo further testing. Rapoport also added that with the bye week Mathieu may not miss game action, but that proved to be inaccurate.

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Mathieu Was Attempting to Bounce Back from Knee Injury

Mathieu established himself as one of the best safeties in the league in 2015. He finished the year with 89 combined tackles and five interceptions. Those numbers were enough to get Mathieu to the Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors.

The 24-year-old tore his ACL last December, which came at the worst time for the Cardinals. His absence wasn't the sole reason for Arizona's 49-15 loss to the Panthers in the NFC Championship Game, but it left the secondary more vulnerable against quarterback Cam Newton.

In the offseason, the Cardinals re-signed Mathieu to a five-year, $62.5 million extension.

"He's been the heart and soul of our defense the last couple of years," teammate Calais Campbell said, per Weinfuss. "When he's on the field, we're that much better. He's very deserving [of the extension]."

While Mathieu's talent isn't in question, his durability is. He didn't play a full season during his first three years in the league and has suffered two major knee injuries—his most recent one in December and another in 2013.

Especially after giving him a new contract, Arizona needs Mathieu to be on the field. Having an All-Pro cornerback in Patrick Peterson helps, but the Honey Badger is an irreplaceable member of the Cardinals secondary.