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

Arizona Cardinals star Tyrann Mathieu aggravated a shoulder injury in Week 12 against the Atlanta Falcons and hadn't played since. Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians said surgery has been considered, but he'll likely avoid it, according to Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com. However, he is ready to return.

Continue for updates.

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Mathieu Active vs. Saints

Sunday, Dec. 18

Urban announced that Mathieu was available on Sunday.

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Latest on Mathieu's Practice Status

Wednesday, Dec. 14

Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official website reported Mathieu took part in Wednesday's session.

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Mathieu Having Trouble Staying on Field 

Mathieu missed three games from Weeks 9 through 12 when he originally injured his shoulder against the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 30. He was expected to need three to six weeks of recovery time, and he returned right in the middle of that time frame on Nov. 27. 

When healthy, Mathieu is one of the top defensive players in the NFL. The defensive back has spent time at safety and cornerback, and he has excelled regardless of where he is on the field, earning his first All-Pro nod last season.

"He (is) a playmaker that just brings a ton of energy and passion," Arians said of the 24-year-old player, per Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer.

Unfortunately, Mathieu has struggled to stay healthy in his young career. He tore his ACL at the end of last season, which caused him to miss the playoffs and spend the entire offseason rehabbing. This year, he missed time with a shoulder subluxation.

In four years in the league, he has never played an entire 16-game season.

This latest injury created even more concern about his ability to stay on the field, especially considering Mathieu's size at 5'9", 186 pounds.