The Arizona Cardinals took the field on Wednesday for their first practice of the week, as they prep for their road trip to the Lone Star State with a matchup on deck against the Houston Texans (8–5).
Let’s start with the negative note on the day: the Cardinals had 11 non-participants in practice. However, we should take this with a grain of salt, as five of the players who didn’t practice were listed on the injury report as non-injury related (NIR) and were granted rest days. The five were Budda Baker, Kelvin Beachum, Evan Brown, Josh Sweat, and Dalvin Tomlinson, all of whom are starters.
Starting safety Jalen Thompson was a non-participant due to a hamstring injury that he suffered during Sunday’s blowout loss at home to the Los Angeles Rams. On top of that, Thompson’s backup in Dadrion Taylor-Demerson also didn’t practice, as he is nursing an ankle injury. If neither of the two can at least be limited by Friday, Arizona may be slim at safety alongside Budda Baker.
On a positive note, Walter Nolen II was a limited participant in practice, his first time suiting up in nearly three weeks. The No. 16 pick in the 2025 NFL draft has been vital to this defensive front, as he demands so much attention in the interior. His presence helps pave the way for edge rushers such as Josh Sweat to draw pressure.
A stat from last week revealed how important Nolen truly is. On the 31 drop that the Arizona pass rush saw from quarterback Matthew Stafford, they were only able to pressure him five times. Stafford quite literally had his way on Sunday, and it was a huge reason why he was able to complete 22-of-31 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns.
On another note, Rams running backs Blake Corum and Kyren Williams combined for 212 rushing yards and three total touchdowns.
In short, Nolen has been an absolute difference maker in one has the chance to be up-and-coming defensive units. He, along with Josh Sweat, is a dynamic pass-rushing duo that has the potential to be elite. The two will have three more years together under contract. Just imagine what they could look like by year four.
Having Nolen back on the practice field is something that every Cardinals fan should be ecstatic to see, as his potential is through the roof. While not yet a guarantee to play on Sunday, he is certainly on the right track to being back in the lineup for the first time since Week 12.