NFL PLAYER NEWS

Mathieu ready to return to ‘Honey Badger’ role

The Sports Xchange

October 04, 2016 at 9:58 pm.

Oct 2, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) attempts to tackle Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Rams won 17-13. Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 2, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) attempts to tackle Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Rams won 17-13. Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu said he is ready to return to his Honey Badger role and plans to play more in the slot and closer to the box Thursday night against the 49ers. That will certainly get the 49ers’ attention, according to San Francisco quarterback Blaine Gabbert.

“Yeah, you always got to be aware of where he is on the football field,” Gabbert said. “He’s a talented, instinctive player that makes a lot of plays on the ball. You have to be aware of where he’s lining up, whether he’s in the slot or he’s back at safety.”

–RB Chris Johnson has now been placed on injured reserve for the second time in two years, going on it last year and being lost for the season due to a fracture in his tibia. This time, it’s a groin injury that apparently has become a hernia situation.

Johnson’s career was in doubt a year ago when he was shot in the back of the shoulder during a drive-by shooting in Orlando that claimed the life of one of his friends.

“You feel bad for him because he did such a great job in the comeback,” Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said. “He was starting to hit it again. I just feel bad for him because he’s such a great kid and hard worker.”

–CB Justin Bethel, a three-time Pro Bowl performer on special teams, fell to the ground and was unable to make a tackle on Tavon Austin’s game-breaking 47-yard punt return that helped set up the Rams’ go-ahead and winning touchdown Sunday.

After watching tape, coach Bruce Arians realized what happened.

“Yeah, he got a hand through his facemask and got poked in the eye,” Arians said. “It is hard not to hit the facemask when you get poked in the eye. That’s usually a penalty.”

–RB Andre Ellington will be the team’s No. 2 option at tailback now that Chris Johnson has been placed on injured reserve. David Johnson will continue to get the lion’s share of the carries for Arizona, but Ellington better be ready, coach Bruce Arians said.

“It just gives Andre Ellington another chance now to get more reps,” Arians said, “and we’re not afraid to give the ball to Andre, that’s for sure.”

–DT Josh Mauro, who has been getting extra game action with veteran Frostee Rucker sidelined because of a knee issue and rookie Robert Nkemdiche being behind the regular top six in the rotation, suffered a pectoral injury during Sunday’s loss against the Rams. He said that won’t stop him from playing Thursday night against the 49ers.

“I’ll be out there for sure,” he said. “It’s nothing.”

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