National Football League

Cardinals' Arians says S Mathieu close to coming off PUP list

Published Aug. 12, 2014 4:47 p.m. ET

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Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians says safety Tyrann Mathieu is ''pretty close'' to coming off the physically unable to perform list and could be practicing with the team within a week.

Mathieu, known widely as the ''Honey Badger,'' was having a standout rookie season when he tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee against St. Louis on Dec. 8. In 13 games, he had 62 tackles, a sack, two interceptions, four tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a special teams tackle.

Mathieu says he is ''itching to hit someone'' and is tired of playing catch with the trainers.

Arians says nose tackle Alameda Ta'amu , who tore his ACL in the final game last season, also is close to coming off the PUP list.