The Arizona Cardinals are grappling with significant injury challenges as they approach the latter part of the season. During their Week 16 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, first-round draft pick Walter Nolen III suffered a knee injury, leading to his expedited exit from the game via a cart with 10:56 remaining in the third quarter. This unfortunate incident, believed to be a non-contact injury, marks Nolen as the third Cardinals player this season to be sidelined, joining teammates Garrett Williams and Josh Sweat on the injured list.
The team’s entire bench rallied around Nolen, showing solidarity and support for the defensive tackle drafted 16th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Cardinals confirmed that Nolen would not return to the game due to his knee injury. Prior to this setback, Nolen had already faced challenges this season, having missed several games earlier due to a calf injury. His return to the lineup had been met with optimism, as he quickly demonstrated the skills that had made him a high draft pick.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon praised Nolen’s ability to disrupt both the run and pass games, citing his impressive understanding of defensive responsibilities. “Disruptiveness, honestly,” Gannon explained when describing Nolen’s contributions. “He doesn’t make a lot of mistakes, which is cool to see.”
Before his injury, Nolen had accumulated eight tackles and two sacks, establishing himself as a crucial element of the Cardinals’ defensive line. His performance had notably complemented veteran Calais Campbell while addressing concerns over the output of former first-round pick Darius Robinson.
Despite the setback of another injury in his rookie season, Nolen’s potential remains promising. His ability to make an impact on the field has been evident, and fans are hopeful that he can overcome his injury struggles to be a mainstay in the team’s future defensive strategies. The Cardinals will look to adjust and find new ways to bolster their defense in his absence as they continue to navigate the challenges of the season.