Will probably be some time earlier than the Arizona Cardinals can see Walter Nolen in motion. The calf harm that has stored the first-round decide on Arizona’s lively/PUP record will now sideline him for not less than 4 video games.
Upon setting their 53-man roster, the Cardinals are transferring Nolen to the reserve/PUP record. Nolen’s harm occurred while training at the team facility, making the rookie eligible for the PUP record — versus the NFI record, which is necessary for wage functions. Nolen can be locked into his totally assured wage on the PUP record.
The Cardinals successfully punted on their D-line in 2023, after J.J. Watt retired and Zach Allen joined the Broncos in free company, however the group has steadily retooled there. After drafting Darius Robinson within the 2024 first spherical, the Cardinals signed Browns cap casualty Dalvin Tomlinson. Arizona then used the No. 16 general decide on Nolen this yr. A post-draft Calais Campbell reunion then commenced, forming an intriguing group up entrance. The Tomlinson and Campbell additions loom bigger now, with Nolen set to be out till not less than October.
Nolen racked up 6.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss and three move deflections at Ole Miss. These totals helped earn him first-team All-SEC and All-American honors and cement his standing as one of many high choices in a deep line of defense class. Whereas questions have been raised early within the pre-draft course of about his vary, it was clear just before the opening round Nolen would seemingly not want to attend lengthy to listen to his title known as. However he now might want to wait a bit earlier than debuting.
The Cardinals, who additionally added Josh Sweat in free company, have overhauled their move rush previously two offseasons. They’ll have a extra formidable entrance seven, because of the bevy of additives this yr, however the full group working collectively — in what is probably going Campbell’s ultimate season — is on maintain.
