I knew that I was feeling too good about the win. I was thinking all sorts of positive things about what it means for the future, etc.
And then I see this.
And this.
And this.
"He will be out for some time," said Del Rio, who added that it could be as long as five weeks before Peterson is even able to play while wearing a cast or a protective wrap over the hand.
The club's leading tackler, Peterson entered Sunday's game with 108 tackles, two sacks, a fumble recovery and an interception. Slumped over in his locker after the game, Peterson did not speak with reporters after the game.
The club will likely move Daryl Smith from the strong side into Peterson's middle linebacker spot, which is what the club did last season when Peterson suffered a season-ending injury. Rookie Justin Durant will likely take over Smith's spot at strong-side linebacker.
The good news is that we've dealt with Mike Peterson's absence before. We're deep at linebacker. Justin Durrant will have to grow up a little faster, but I'd bet we do just fine.
That said, Mike Peterson has been a beast this season. Ever since the first game where Mike let the Titans go crazy on us, he's been a stud. He's a vocal and emotional leader on the defense and that role will be missed.
And then there's that whole "Is Mike with a Club Hand better than someone else with Two Hands"? We all remember that terrible play against the Patriots when a missed tackle by Mike Peterson (99% because of the Club Fist) let Ben Watson run for 63 yards and a score, breaking the teams back when it was only 7-3.
Cornerback Rashean Mathis suffered a strained groin. More on his status as I know it.
-Chris