The Arizona Cardinals kicked off training camp this week and reported to camp on Tuesday. The team held their first practice on Wednesday and will have their first open practice on Thursday, followed by another on Friday. The Cardinals will also host their annual Exclusive Season Ticket Member Event on Sunday, providing season ticket holders with the opportunity to meet the coaching staff and players.
One area of defense to monitor through the summer is the new and improved defensive line. The front office added Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson, and used their first-round pick on an All-SEC standout. Unfortunately, their rookie is dealing with a significant injury.
The Arizona Cardinals’ rookie suffered a soft tissue injury
Walter Nolen suffered a calf injury while working out during the offseason. As a result, the Cardinals placed him on the active/PUP list, but he can return to practice at any time. During Wednesday’s press conference, Jonathan Gannon was unsure when Nolen would return from his calf injury and whether he would miss the start of the season, via Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.
“I don’t know that,” Gannon said, via Weinfuss. “I really don’t. We’ll see how it goes. Each one’s a little bit different. Each injury’s a little bit different. Each guy’s a little bit different.”
Arizona Cardinals’ 1st-round pick receives a brutal injury update
According to Ian Rapoport, Walter Nolen’s calf injury will likely sideline him for most, if not all, of training camp. As Rapoport notes, the rookie defensive tackle’s timetable for return could be hovering around the start of the regular season. It remains to be seen whether Nolen will be ready for Week 1, as the majority of his recovery is expected to take place during camp.
#AZCardinals 1st-round DL Walter Nolen III suffered a calf injury at the team facility that will likely knock him out most or all of training camp, sources say.
Nolen’s timetable puts him right up against the start of the season, but the bulk of his recovery will be in camp. pic.twitter.com/3IYR55aO9O
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 23, 2025
Who replaces him for the time being?
The expectation is for Darius Robinson to receive first-team reps as the third defensive tackle with Walter Nolen sidelined. The first-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft had an unforgettable rookie season, sustaining a calf injury in late August, sidelining him for the first 11 games. Upon returning, Robinson was not effective, recording ten tackles, one TFL, one quarterback hit, and one sack in six contests.
Now healthy, he looks to make the most of the opportunity and make up for lost time.
