It is going to be some time earlier than the Arizona Cardinals can see Walter Nolen in motion. The calf damage that has stored the first-round decide on Arizona’s energetic/PUP listing will now sideline him for at the very least 4 video games.
Upon setting their 53-man roster, the Cardinals are transferring Nolen to the reserve/PUP listing. Nolen’s damage occurred whereas coaching on the staff facility, making the rookie eligible for the PUP listing — versus the NFI listing, which is essential for wage functions. Nolen will probably be locked into his totally assured wage on the PUP listing.
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 staff 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 total 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 at the very least 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 prime choices in a deep defensive position class. Whereas questions have been raised early within the pre-draft course of about his vary, it was clear simply earlier than the opening spherical Nolen would probably not want to attend lengthy to listen to his identify referred to 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 may 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 remaining season — is on maintain.
