Tyrann Mathieu isn't targeting a specific date for his return to the field from a torn ACL in his right knee, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports. "I don't really want to rush it," Mathieu said recently. "Whenever I'm comfortable, that's when I want to go o

Mathieu isn't targeting a specific date for his return to the field from a torn ACL in his right knee, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports. "I don't really want to rush it," Mathieu said recently. "Whenever I'm comfortable, that's when I want to go out there."

Analysis:

Mathieu's cautious approach has basis in fact, as the injury that ended his rookie season in 2013 (ACL and LCL tears in his left knee) sapped his effectiveness in the subsequent campaign. Fortunately for the defensive back, this particular recovery effort has been "so much easier" when compared with his previous rehabilitation. While his activity level was non-existent in the aftermath of the first surgery, he's already progressed to running on a treadmill in a harness, and there's a belief that he's only a few months away from wearing a helmet and kicking off football drills. No matter the path he takes, the offseason may include a contract extension at some point after he achieved the first Pro Bowl and All-Pro bids of his career this past season.