Mathieu recorded five tackles and two interceptions in Sunday's Week 3 matchup against the 49ers.

The Honey Badger took the first interception to the house for a 33-yard touchdown in the first quarter of Sunday's game. This came just one play after teammate Justin Bethel intercepted a pass for a touchdown on the first play of the game. Mathieu now has 17 tackles and two interceptions through the first three games and he should provide solid IDP value while playing in such a strong all-around defense.

Mathieu compiled eight solo tackles, three passes defended, and one tackle for loss in Sunday's win against the Saints.

Mathieu had at least a share of the team lead in each category, as he took on all but one of the Cardinals' 74 defensive snaps, according to Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 Phoenix. The performance was reminiscent of Mathieu's rookie season in 2013, which was cut short due to ACL and LCL tears and proceeded to limit him to 40 percent of the defensive snap count last year. Now that he's usurped Rashad Johnson (62 snaps Sunday) for the starting free safety role, Mathieu could be cobbling together the building blocks of a standout IDP campaign.

Mathieu is listed as the starting free safety on the Cardinals' initial depth chart, Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

The development is interesting, as Rashad Johnson has typically held down the job in past seasons and even during the recently-completed preseason slate. A subsequent increase in snaps would help Mathieu approach, or even surpass, his output as a rookie in 2013 -- 68 tackles (65 solo), two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one sack in 13 games -- before he was lost for the season due to ACL and LCL tears.

Mathieu produced 37 tackles (35 solo), four passes defended, one interception, two tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery in 13 games this season.

Mathieu entered the fall in the final stages of his recovery from ACL and LCL tears suffered in December of 2013. After a DNP to kick off the year, he eased into action and settled into a situational role in a secondary that trotted 5-to-6 defensive backs on nearly every play. However, he sustained a cracked thumb in Week 13, which forced two missed outings and limited usage upon his return. Entering the offseason, he'll likely be afforded an opportunity to compete with starting free safety Rashad Johnson, but the sledding could be tough against the Cardinals' 2014 leader in both tackles (93) and interceptions (four).

Mathieu (thumb) is listed as active Sunday against the Seahawks, the Cardinals' official site reports.

Mathieu's presence saps the IDP relevance of fellow defensive backs Rashad Johnson and Deone Bucannon, and Mathieu could very well play second fiddle to Tony Jefferson in his normal safety/slot corner gig.

Mathieu (thumb) is probable for Sunday's game against Seattle.

Mathieu's return is a very welcome development for the Arizona defense, but his IDP value has been lacking this year. As far as IDP consideration goes, his return dents the value of Rashad Johnson and Deone Bucannon more than it presents much on Mathieu's behalf.

Mathieu (thumb) was limited in practice Thursday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Despite two limited showings to begin the week of prep, Mathieu is expected to play Sunday against the Seahawks, barring a setback. Even if he does suit up, Tony Jefferson is expected to eat into Mathieu's workload, as he did early in the season when the LSU product was working through the final stages of tears to the ACL and LCL in his left knee.

Mathieu (thumb) is expected to return to action Sunday against the Seahawks, ESPN.com reports. "I think I'm healed up enough to finish out the season," he said. "So hopefully I don't have any more setbacks."

The Cardinals held an unofficial practice Monday, which Mathieu took part in with a cast that extends from his healing left thumb to the midpoint of his forearm. With such a hindrance in place, he'll have difficulty reeling in any potential interceptions, if he indeed suits up on Sunday night. Nevertheless, as the sole question mark among the defense heading into the week of preparation, the opportunistic unit could soon be at full strength with their toughest remaining regular season test on tap.

Mathieu underwent successful surgery on his thumb Wednesday and will be sidelined two weeks, Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reports.

After two weeks of rest, Mathieu will attempt to play with a cast on his hand, with an appearance possible as early as Dec. 21 against the Seahawks. During his absence, though, fellow safety Tony Jefferson will pick up additional snaps in the Cardinals' secondary.

Mathieu will undergo surgery Wednesday, during which a pin will be inserted in his thumb, Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

The procedure will sideline Mathieu at least the next two contests, with three absences the most likely scenario. When he eventually returns, a cast will protect his healing thumb, which will hinder his ability to pick off passes and perhaps wrap up the opposition. Nevertheless, in his stead, Tony Jefferson is poised to handle additional work at safety.

Mathieu will require surgery on his injured thumb and will likely miss the next three games, ESPN's Ed Werder reports.

Mathieu has been diagnosed with both a fractured and dislocated thumb, and he will need to undergo a procedure to repair the damage. Assuming Mathieu sits out the next three games as expected, he should be available for Arizona's Week 17 matchup with the 49ers as well as any postseason games.

Mathieu's (cracked thumb) status for Week 14 has yet to be determined, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

According to coach Bruce Arians, in a worst-case scenario, a pin could be placed in Mathieu's thumb and the safety would miss three weeks, as a result. That said, it's possible that Mathieu's thumb could be placed in a cast and if that's the case, he could play through the injury, per the report.

Mathieu suffered a cracked thumb Sunday against the Falcons.

Mathieu's status for next week's game against the Chiefs is thus worth tracking. The safety recorded three tackles prior to his exit from Sunday's game.

Mathieu (thumb) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's contest, Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reports.

Mathieu exact diagnosis is currently unknown, but he won't see another snap Sunday afternoon after recording three combined tackles. Look for the depth of the Cardinals' secondary to be tested in the second half.

Mathieu is questionable to return to Sunday's game due to a thumb injury.

Mathieu recorded three tackles (two solo) prior to exiting. Rashad Johnson and Tony Jefferson should see a higher volume of snaps if Mathieu is unable to return.

Mathieu took the field for 34 of the Cardinals' 64 defensive snaps during Sunday's win in Dallas, FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

On the Cowboys' second drive of the second half, they used a short field to enter the red zone in what was then a tight 14-10 affair. On third and nine, Mathieu broke up a likely scoring drive with his first interception of the season while covering Jason Witten. Mathieu's performance also included five tackles (four solo), as he's channeled his Honey Badger instincts well of late. Over the last four contests, he's tallied 14 tackles, three passes defended, one pick, and one fumble recovery, aiding IDP pursuits nicely.

Mathieu posted four solo tackles, one fumble recovery, and one quarterback hit during Sunday's victory against Washington. In the end, he took the field for 49-of-60 defensive snaps, FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

The snap count was by far a season-high for the second-year pro, whose services are required due to a lacking corps of linebackers. For this reason, defensive coordinator Todd Bowles is frequently trotting out six defensive backs, a development that boosts the prospects of Mathieu and company. The preceding brew should provide Mathieu with numerous opportunities to fulfill his promise, as long as his health remains unquestioned.

Mathieu logged 15-of-64 defensive snaps during Sunday's win against the 49ers, FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

Mathieu's snap count tripled, and the increased usage reaped immediate dividends, as he racked up six solo tackles on the day. One can only imagine what he'll put up once he's cleared for a full workload, but the Cardinals' Week 4 bye appears to be splitting up his season into a brief, pseudo-preseason and a 13-game slate thereafter. In any case, IDP owners should consider stashing Mathieu in order to profit once he's taking on the majority of the free safety reps.

Mathieu (knee) was limited to dime packages in Sunday's win against the Giants in New York, taking the field for five of a possible 72 defensive snaps, FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

In his first game since Dec. 8 of last season, Mathieu's meager workload was predictable considering he was nine months removed from tearing the ACL and LCL in his left knee. Fortunately for the second-year defensive back, general manager Steve Keim stated that Mathieu's play count will increase on a weekly basis, according to the Cardinals' official site. While Mathieu's immediate playing time is to be determined, Rashad Johnson contributed six tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble from the free safety slot in Week 2.

Mathieu (knee) is active for Sunday's game versus the Giants at New York, Mark Dalton of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Mathieu is making his first appearance since Dec. 8 of last season and thus may experience a capped workload. Moreover, the presence of Rashad Johnson (ankle) could hamper Mathieu's IDP potential off the bat.