The Arizona Cardinals defense took a massive hit Monday with defensive tackle Darnell Dockett lost for the season with a torn ACL.
But the Cardinals did get some good news as it appears defensive back Tryann Mathieu is getting closer to returning to the field.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, the Cardinals are expected to activate Mathieu from the physically unable to perform list on Tuesday.
It’s still uncertain whether Mathieu will be ready for the start of the regular season. However, being removed from PUP means Mathieu has passed a physical and should be back on the practice field soon for the Cardinals.
Mathieu believed he was 6-8 weeks away from being able to play when placed on PUP at the start of training camp. That timeline would have Mathieu ready to play sometime between Week 1 and Week 3 of the regular season.
The Cardinals already lost Karlos Dansby to the Cleveland Browns and Daryl Washington to a suspension before Dockett tore his ACL on Monday. A defense that was terrific last season couldn’t take any more bad news. Mathieu coming off PUP now means he’s likely to be ready to play and contribute sooner rather than later.