The Arizona Cardinals have been hard at work this week, making their final roster moves in order to get down to the required 53-man roster. Among these moves, the Cardinals have designated first-round rookie defensive tackle Walter Nolen and two others to the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. This news may come as a disappointment to some fans, but it’s important to remember that this is just a temporary setback for these players.
Nolen, who was drafted with the 16th overall pick in this year’s NFL draft, suffered a calf injury in mid-July. This injury kept him out of the rest of training camp and has now landed him on the PUP list. This means that Nolen will be unable to participate in any team activities for at least the first six weeks of the regular season.
But Nolen is not alone in this situation. Two other defensive linemen, Michael Dogbe and Rashard Lawrence, have also been placed on the PUP list. Dogbe, a fourth-round pick in 2019, has been dealing with a hamstring injury while Lawrence, a fourth-round pick in 2020, is recovering from a knee injury. Both players will also be out for at least the first six weeks of the season.
While it’s never ideal to have key players sidelined, especially rookies who are looking to make an immediate impact, it’s important to remember that this is just a temporary setback. The PUP list is designed to give players time to fully recover from their injuries without taking up a roster spot. Once they are healthy and ready to contribute, they can be activated and join the team.
In the meantime, the Cardinals have a deep and talented defensive line that can hold down the fort until Nolen, Dogbe, and Lawrence are ready to return. With veterans like J.J. Watt, Chandler Jones, and Jordan Phillips leading the way, the Cardinals’ defensive line is poised to be a dominant force this season.
And let’s not forget about Nolen’s potential. The 6’4″, 300-pound defensive tackle was highly sought after in the draft and was considered one of the top prospects at his position. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism make him a valuable asset to the Cardinals’ defense. Once he is fully healthy and able to get on the field, he has the potential to make a significant impact and live up to his first-round draft status.
It’s also worth noting that the Cardinals have a history of successfully developing young talent on the defensive line. Just look at the success of players like Rodney Gunter, Zach Allen, and Leki Fotu in recent years. With a strong coaching staff and a supportive team culture, there’s no doubt that Nolen, Dogbe, and Lawrence will be in good hands as they recover from their injuries.
In the end, injuries are a part of the game and the Cardinals are taking the necessary steps to ensure that their players are fully healthy before returning to the field. While it may be disappointing to see these three talented defensive linemen out for at least the first four games of the season, it’s important to trust in the team’s decision and have faith in their ability to bounce back stronger than ever.
So let’s not dwell on the temporary setbacks, but instead, let’s focus on the potential and excitement that this young and talented defensive line brings to the Arizona Cardinals. With the regular season just around the corner, it’s time to rally behind our team and show our support as they take on the challenges ahead. Go Cardinals!