The Arizona Cardinals are activating rookie defensive lineman Walter Nolen III from the physically unable to perform list ahead of their Monday Night Football game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Additionally, the team is activating cornerback Garrett Williams off injured reserve and elevating running back Michael Carter to the active roster.
Nolen is slated to make his NFL debut on primetime after going down with a calf injury suffered before training camp kicked off.
The 2025 first-round pick was placed on the PUP list to start camp and did not see any action, preseason or practice-wise.
That was until Oct. 15, when the Cardinals officially opened Nolen’s 21-day practice window.
It didn’t take long for his teammates to take notice of his return, thanks to his explosiveness.
He now joins a defensive line room led by Calais Campbell, Dalvin Tomlinson and Darius Robinson. Dante Stills, Bilal Nichols and PJ Mustipher round out the rotation.
Garrett Williams back in the mix
Williams returns to the lineup after sitting out since Week 2 with a knee injury.
The nickel cornerback is an integral part of Arizona’s defense and has 11 tackles and a pass defensed in two starts.
Michael Carter an option in Arizona’s backfield
Carter returns to the lineup after being released and re-signed to the practice squad.
Before the most recent transactions, Carter rushed for 97 yards and a touchdown on 35 carries across four games (two starts). He also caught nine balls for 77 yards.
He joins a backfield that is expected to be led by Bam Knight and also includes Emari Demercado.