Cardinals safety Antoine Bethea celebrates after the first of his two interceptions on Sunday.
Antoine Bethea set a career-high with his fifth interception of the season on Sunday against the Giants, but that's where the total will remain.
The Cardinals' safety tore a pectoral muscle in the 23-0 win and won't play in the regular season finale against the Seahawks. Bethea picked off Eli Manning twice in the contest, his first career multi-interception game.
Bethea was a steady presence in the secondary this season, leading the team in interceptions while mentoring rising star Budda Baker. Harlan Miller is expected to be the third safety in nickel packages alongside Baker and Tyrann Mathieu. Cornerback Justin Bethel could also get work in personnel groups that include five or six defensive backs.
"We've got plenty of guys," Arians said. "Taking five interceptions out of there is tough, though. Great season."
Bethea was placed on injured reserve Tuesday and linebacker Edmond Robinson was elevated from the practice squad in a corresponding move. Bethea is the third safety to be lost for the year, joining Tyvon Branch and Rudy Ford, and is the latest casualty in a season dominated by injuries. At this point, Arians said it's become so commonplace that the team shrugs it off.
"It's easy when you get the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth injuries," Arians said. "It's really hard when you get the first four. It's like, 'Oh, here we go again.' It's doom and gloom around the team for a week or so. Now it's just, 'OK, who is it this week?' You pick up the pieces and you go."
Miller is a former cornerback who was pressed into emergency duty at safety last season when Tony Jefferson was injured in Week 16 in Seattle. Miller moved to safety this offseason because of his performance in that game and the season finale against the Rams, where he had an interception. Miller has been on the practice squad most of the year but Arians expressed confidence in him.
"He played up there last year and did a good job," Arians said.
Bethea, 33, signed a three-year free agent contract with the Cardinals this offseason and Arians believes he has plenty left in the tank.
"'Toine is still young, and he stays in great shape," Arians said. "He should have another great year next year."
Images from the Week 16 matchup at University of Phoenix Stadium
RB Kerwynn Williams
"Merry Fitzmas"
WR Larry Fitzgerald
Chandler Jones fans
Cardinals QB Drew Stanton
Cardinals cheerleaders perform
WR Larry Fitzgerald
Giants DT Damon Harrison
QB Drew Stanton
Fans at the game
WR Larry Fitzgerald
Coach Bruce Arians
A fan dressed up at the game
Cardinals cheerleaders perform
Fans at the game
Cardinals cheerleaders perform
CB Patrick Peterson pregame
Singer and Cardinals fan Jordin Sparks performs the national anthem
QB Drew Stanton
Giants RB Wayne Gallman
S Antoine Bethea snags an interception
Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians directs from the sideline
The Cardinals defense swarms on Giants QB Eli Manning
Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians
Cardinals LB Deone Bucannon breaks up a pass intended for Giants WR Roger Lewis Jr.
Cardinals fans show their love for Larry Fitzgerald
Cardinals K Phil Dawson with the kick attempt
WR Larry Fitzgerald makes a tough catch on a flea-ficker
Cardinals DL Rodney Gunter rushes Giants QB Eli Manning
S Antoine Bethea breaks up a pass intended for Giants WR Sterling Shepard
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald with the catch
Giants QB Eli Manning
Cardinals QB Drew Stanton
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald darts across the field after the catch
Cardinals WR Jaron Brown with the reception
Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians speaks with his quarterback Drew Stanton
Giants QB Eli Manning fumbles the football
Larry Fitzgerald celebrates with G Alex Boone after scoring a touchdown
Giants TE Jerell Adams makes the grab
Cardinals DL Frostee Rucker
Cardinals WR John Brown with the touchdown
Cardinals RB Kerwynn Williams on the carry
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald makes the catch
QB Eli Manning with the throw
The Giants and Cardinals at the line of scrimmage
Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson with the tackle
Larry Fitzgerald runs for extra yardage after the catch
Cardinals DL Robert Nkemdiche scoops up a Giants fumble
Giants RB Shane Vereen runs while Cardinals S Budda Baker tries to bring him down
Cardinals WR John Brown (right) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown
Cardinals DL Olsen Pierre trips up Giants QB Eli Manning
DL Robert Nkemdiche runs in a touchdown after a Giants fumble
Cardinals QB Drew Stanton under pressure
Giants RB Wayne Gallman on the carry
Cardinals DL Robert Nkemdiche scores his first career touchdown
Larry Fitzgerald (left) and Eli Manning (right) meet after the game
Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians (right) greets Giants interim head coach Steve Spagnuolo (left)
Larry Fitzgerald leaves the field after the game
