TEMPE — The Arizona Cardinals have yet to see their 2025 first-round pick and defensive lineman Walter Nolen III play a down more than eight weeks into the season.
Going down with a calf injury ahead of training camp, Nolen has spent most of his short NFL career on the shelf, relegated to the physically unable to perform list.
The biggest reps he’s really seen have been mental. His time on the grass has been minimal.
But after seeing his practice window open up just over two weeks ago, Nolen hasn’t wasted any time ramping up for his eventual NFL debut, which could come as soon as Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys.
His teammates have certainly taken notice.
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“I have a big sense on what he could be,” safety Budda Baker said Friday. “He’s a guy who can cause a lot of havoc on the D-line. He’s very explosive, smart D-lineman and if he plays, very excited to have him back.
“But just seeing him on the practice field, seeing the explosiveness, seeing the burst, we got a great D-lineman.”
Is Walter Nolen III trending toward NFL debut on primetime?
Nolen’s return this week is far from a sure thing, but it’s clear he’s trending in the right direction.
After being ruled out following his first week of work before even getting to the weekend, Nolen is listed as questionable for the MNF tilt.
If he did enough this week and checked the appropriate health boxes, seeing an activation off the PUP list on Monday will follow.
At least during the open portion of practice, that seemed to be the case.
Another potential reinforcement for the Cardinals on MNF
Aside from Nolen, the Cardinals could also get nickel cornerback Garrett Williams back.
The cornerback has been dealing with a knee injury suffered in a Week 2 win over Carolina that required a stint on the IR.
But after getting back on the grass this week, Williams could be seeing game reps sooner than later.
“I haven’t seen him miss a step,” Baker said. “He was still in the meeting, still his mind fresh on football when he was out. If he comes back this week, very excited to see him play. You know, if he comes back next week, same thing.
“He’s a great cornerback, great nickel, great safety. We have him play everything, so definitely excited to possibly get G back.”
Going up against a Dallas Cowboys offense that is first in the league in passing yards (263.8) second in total yards (384.1) and points per game (30.8), any extra hands on deck are welcome.
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