Tyrann Mathieu injury update: Chiefs safety out with quad

The Kansas City Chiefs have ruled veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu out for the rest of their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16 due to a quad injury suffered in the second half.

The Chiefs are dominating the visiting Steelers on a day that will leave most fans smiling, but Mathieu’s injury is the sort of concern that will linger and have the team hoping for positive results with post-game tests. The Chiefs saw Mathieu leave in the fourth quarter, which should have been the right thing anyway given that the Chiefs were up by four possessions over the Steelers.

Mathieu is undoubtedly the heart and soul of this Chiefs defense and is the most versatile and valuable performer in a young and exciting secondary. His presence allows defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to do so much due to Mathieu’s ability to line up in several spots and diagnose so much pre-snap with his instincts and intelligence.

Tyrann Mathieu’s injury is going to be something to watch in the days to come.

Without Mathieu in the lineup, the Chiefs will lean more on Dan Sorensen but the secondary is also missing Chris Lammons on injured reserve and Rashad Fenton on the COVID reserve list at the present moment.

Mathieu earned his second straight Pro Bowl nod earlier this week—his third overall—with a strong season of production marked by 65 total tackles, 3 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, and 6 deflected passes.

Earlier in the second half, the Chiefs also watched running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire leave during the game with a collarbone injury. Initially he was designated as questionable to return but he also was ultimately ruled out.