[Garrett Williams](/team/players-roster/garrett-williams/) is closer to making his return to games.
The Cardinals opened up the 21-day practice window for the cornerback on Tuesday ahead of a "Monday Night Football" game in Dallas. He suffered a knee injury in the home opener against the Panthers and has missed the last five games.
Coach Jonathan Gannon said the practice window for outside linebacker [BJ Ojulari](/team/players-roster/bj-ojulari/), who has been out since mid-August of 2024 with a knee injury, will open beginning Thursday. Given Ojulari's lengthy time on the sideline, he will likely need much of the 21-day window.
Running back Michael Carter and cornerback Darren Hall were released on Monday and the Cardinals re-signed both to the practice squad. Carter was signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad prior to the Week 5 matchup against the Titans. That leaves two open roster spots for now.
With Williams' window opening, he joins first-round defensive lineman Walter Nolen III, who has been gearing up for his NFL debut. Nolen's 21-day practice window was opened on Oct. 15.
Running back D'Ernest Johnson, tight end Nick Muse, and wide receiver Bryson Green were released from the practice squad.
Williams' return to the 53-man roster would provide a major boost to the young secondary. Before he left the Week 2 matchup with the knee injury, Williams was playing every defensive snap, lining up as an outside corner on base packages and sliding in the slot when the Cardinals were in nickel defense. Safety Jalen Thompson and Rabbit Taylor-Demerson filled in for Williams when the Cardinals were in nickel, while Will Johnson earned more playing time on the outside.
More to come azcardinals.com.