ARIZONA CARDINALS

Arizona Cardinals coach Arians on Tyrann Mathieu’s progress: ‘We’ll see how he tackles’

Aug 29, 2014, 9:27 PM | Updated: 9:27 pm

TEMPE, Ariz. — Earlier in the week, Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said defensive back Tyrann Mathieu would not play in the regular season opener if he did not play in the preseason finale.

Mathieu did not play against San Diego Thursday night, so by that logic it would mean he will not be on the field on Sept. 8, right?

“He’s going to tackle somebody this week, that’s about it,” Arians said Friday when asked where he stands with regards to Mathieu and his prospects going forward.

Mathieu has not played in a game since tearing his ACL and LCL in early December, though he returned to practice late last week and has reported no setbacks since getting back on the field.

But there is a difference in being able to practice and being ready for a game — especially a regular season one — and up to this point he has not done enough to show he can be counted on when the games, well, count.

When asked earlier in the week, Mathieu said he’s not worried about his surgically-repaired knee as much as he is his grasp on the mental part of the game, making sure his eyes are in the right place and he’s not thinking too much about what he should be doing. He wants to just react and fly around the field, which is what the Cardinals will want to see before turning him loose.

Asked about his previous statement about Mathieu not laying Monday night if he didn’t play Thursday night — a statement Mathieu believed to be true — Arians backtracked some, once again pointing to wanting to see how Mathieu fares going forward.

“I wasn’t kidding,” the coach said of his no play Thursday, no play Monday stance. “We’ll see how he tackles, though.”

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Monti Ossenfort looks on...

Vincent DeAngelis

PFF’s Spielberger grades Cardinals’ free agent class among worst in NFL

PFF's Brad Spielberger gave the Cardinals' free agent class a "C" grade in his latest rankings. It was the worst grade among all 32 teams.

49 minutes ago

Jonah Williams pressure Sam Darnold...

Tyler Drake

Report: Free agent DL Jonah Williams visiting Arizona Cardinals this week

Defensive lineman Jonah Williams is visiting the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings this week, according to Aaron Wilson.

10 hours ago

Casita seating at the Arizona Cardinals' State Farm Stadium...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals’ new suite options at State Farm Stadium include casitas

The Arizona Cardinals on Monday announced new luxury seating options for 2024, including custom casita suites at State Farm Stadium.

13 hours ago

Justin Fields...

Associated Press

Quarterback carousel: Bears trade Justin Fields to Steelers to clear way for top pick

The Chicago Bears traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night for draft compensation.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray...

Arizona Sports

Report: Cardinals QB Kyler Murray’s 2025 guarantees kick in

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray had nearly $30 million guaranteed for the 2025 season kick in by remaining on Arizona's roster by Saturday.

2 days ago

Paris Johnson Jr. celebrates with Kyler Murray...

Tyler Drake

Which side of the line will Cardinals’ Paris Johnson Jr. command in 2024?

Even before the Cardinals released D.J. Humphries, there was already talk of Paris Johnson Jr. making the switch from right to left.

3 days ago

Arizona Cardinals coach Arians on Tyrann Mathieu’s progress: ‘We’ll see how he tackles’